Introduction
What to do
When to visit
How to get there
Where to stay
Renting a car

Kiawah Island travel guide

Kiawah Island Tourism | Kiawah Island Guide

You're Going to Love Kiawah Island

With a population of 1 749, Kiawah Island is a must-see destination in South Carolina, United States. It is among the most popular tourist destinations in the country. We recommend you stay at least 3 days in order to fully appreciate everything Kiawah Island has to offer.

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Activities & attractions in Kiawah Island

When to visit Kiawah Island

Kiawah Island in January
Estimated hotel price
$250
1 night at 3-star hotel
Kiawah Island in January
Estimated hotel price
$250
1 night at 3-star hotel

How to Get to Kiawah Island

Plane

Although Kiawah Island doesn’t have its own airport, you can fly to Charleston Municipal Airport (CHS), which is located 32 km from Kiawah Island. Savannah/Hilton Head is the most popular, with regular flights from American Airlines, Delta, WestJet and other airlines departing from the United States. The shortest domestic flight to Kiawah Island departs from Cincinnati and takes around 1h 38m.

Car

Another option to get to Kiawah Island is to pick up a car rental from Charlotte, which is about 299 km from Kiawah Island. You’ll find branches of Turo and CarWiz, among others, in Charlotte.

Plane

Although Kiawah Island doesn’t have its own airport, you can fly to Charleston Municipal Airport (CHS), which is located 32 km from Kiawah Island. Savannah/Hilton Head is the most popular, with regular flights from American Airlines, Delta, WestJet and other airlines departing from the United States. The shortest domestic flight to Kiawah Island departs from Cincinnati and takes around 1h 38m.

Car

Another option to get to Kiawah Island is to pick up a car rental from Charlotte, which is about 299 km from Kiawah Island. You’ll find branches of Turo and CarWiz, among others, in Charlotte.

Airports near Kiawah Island

Airlines serving Kiawah Island

Lufthansa
Good (8,175 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,552 reviews)
British Airways
Good (8,148 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,463 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,480 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,632 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (951 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,738 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (10,059 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,638 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,913 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (11,422 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,499 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,426 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (431 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (2,356 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (1,584 reviews)
JetBlue
Good (3,027 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Good (12,758 reviews)
China Eastern
Good (230 reviews)
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Where to stay in Kiawah Island

Average rates range from around $358 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $526 and up for a 5-star experience.

Where to stay in popular areas of Kiawah Island

Most booked hotels in Kiawah Island

Residence Inn by Marriott Charleston Kiawah Island/Andell Inn
3 stars
Excellent (9, 277 reviews)
$432+
Kiawah Island Golf Resort - Villas
4 stars
Excellent (8.2, 8 reviews)
$192+
The Dunlin, Auberge Collection
5 stars
Excellent (10, 2 reviews)
$533+
The Sanctuary At Kiawah Island Golf Resort
5 stars
Poor (0, 0 reviews)
$779+

Renting a car in Kiawah Island

Renting a car in Kiawah Island costs $84 per day, on average, or $251 if you want to rent if for 3 days.

You’re likely to save money by renting your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 6% more expensive than at Charleston.

Expect to pay $4.35 per gallon in Kiawah Island (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $52.24 and $69.65.

Renting a car in Kiawah Island costs $84 per day, on average, or $251 if you want to rent if for 3 days.

You’re likely to save money by renting your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 6% more expensive than at Charleston.

Expect to pay $4.35 per gallon in Kiawah Island (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $52.24 and $69.65.