Kiawah Island

Kiawah Island is a barrier island located approximately 21 miles South of Charleston and boasts over 10 miles of sandy beaches and breathtaking views. The town was named for the Native American Kiawah tribe, who originally inhabited the area until the 1500's. In 1737, Kiawah was sold to John Stanyarne who willed the island to his granddaughters upon his death. Kiawah continued to be passed to various family members for the next 180 years until the entire island was sold to a lumberman from Aiken, SC named CC Royal. Over the next 20+ years, he built the Kiawah causeway, developed what is now Eugenia Avenue and created much of the early infrastructure. In the mid-1970's, the island was purchased by the Kuwaiti Development Corporation who began the robust development of the area. In 1988, the Kuwaitis sold Kiawah Island to developers who later sold the amenities to the Kiawah Island Golf Resort. That same year, the island was incorporated.

Beachwalker County Park is a popular destination for visitors and offers public beach access, shower and dressing facilities, restrooms, a Snack Bar, picnic facilities, beach equipment rentals and lifeguards. The island is home to the world renowned Kiawah Island Golf Resort which offers five award-winning championship golf courses, tennis, kayaking, nature tours, luxury accommodations and fine dining.

A small resort town, there are approximately 400 year round residents. Recreation opportunities include bicycling, sailing, windsurfing, fishing, hiking, walking or jogging. Dining choices range from casual to elegant.

Housing choices range from single family homes and condos in charming neighborhoods to luxury estates in exclusive Vanderhorst Plantation. Vacation rentals are available in the form of luxurious oceanfront and scenic vacation rental homes or villas that fit a wide variety of price ranges and group sizes.

Town of Kiawah Island Website

Charleston County Schools Website

Private and Parochial School Websites