Kenai

Kenai is a city in the Kenai Peninsula Borough, Alaska, United States. It sits at the mouth of the Kenai River on the northern edge of Cook Inlet. The Sterling Highway (Alaska Route 1) connects Kenai with the road network, including access to Anchorage to the north. As of the 2020 census, the city had a population of about 7,000 residents.

The name Kenai derives from the Kenaitze (Dena’ina) people who have long inhabited the region. European settlement began in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, centered on fishing and canning. Kenai was incorporated as a city in 1960. Its economy historically depended on commercial fishing, canneries, and related services; in recent decades tourism and service industries have become equally important.

Geographically, the Kenai River is a major feature for recreation, especially sport fishing, with runs of king (Chinook) and sockeye salmon drawing anglers from around the world. The surrounding Kenai Peninsula is known for its wildlife, coastal scenery, and access to outdoor activities. Nearby protected areas include the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, which preserves a variety of habitats. The climate is maritime, characterized by relatively mild winters and cooler summers compared with interior Alaska, with weather influenced by its coastal location.

Kenai serves as a local hub for residents and visitors alike, offering parks, a marina, and access to fishing, boating, and outdoor recreation. Its identity is closely tied to the Kenai River and the region’s broader history of fishing, forestry, and tourism.