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.

When to visit Kiawah Island

Kiawah Island in January
Estimated hotel price
$275
1 night at 3-star hotel
Kiawah Island in January
Estimated hotel price
$275
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 20 miles from Kiawah Island. Savannah/Hilton Head is the most popular, with regular flights from Air France, JetBlue, Delta and other airlines departing from the United States. The shortest domestic flight to Kiawah Island departs from New York and takes around 2h 06m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Kiawah Island. The train journey from Kiawah Island to Jacksonville takes 4h 14m and costs around $67 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Richmond, expect to pay about $98 for a 6h 59m trip.

Car

Another option to get to Kiawah Island is to pick up a car rental from Charlotte, which is about 186 miles from Kiawah Island. You’ll find branches of Hertz and Dollar, among others, in Charlotte.

Bus

You can travel by bus to Kiawah Island using Greyhound or FlixBus. From New York, the bus ride to Kiawah Island takes 1030 miles and will cost you around $113. From Boston, the ticket costs about $203 for a journey of 1310 miles.

Plane

Although Kiawah Island doesn’t have its own airport, you can fly to Charleston Municipal Airport (CHS), which is located 20 miles from Kiawah Island. Savannah/Hilton Head is the most popular, with regular flights from Air France, JetBlue, Delta and other airlines departing from the United States. The shortest domestic flight to Kiawah Island departs from New York and takes around 2h 06m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Kiawah Island. The train journey from Kiawah Island to Jacksonville takes 4h 14m and costs around $67 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Richmond, expect to pay about $98 for a 6h 59m trip.

Car

Another option to get to Kiawah Island is to pick up a car rental from Charlotte, which is about 186 miles from Kiawah Island. You’ll find branches of Hertz and Dollar, among others, in Charlotte.

Bus

You can travel by bus to Kiawah Island using Greyhound or FlixBus. From New York, the bus ride to Kiawah Island takes 1030 miles and will cost you around $113. From Boston, the ticket costs about $203 for a journey of 1310 miles.

Airports near Kiawah Island

Airlines serving Kiawah Island

Lufthansa
Good (4,699 reviews)
KLM
Good (847 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,592 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (2,261 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,587 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (490 reviews)
Air France
Good (980 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (2,111 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,432 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,966 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (5,962 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (227 reviews)
Finnair
Good (856 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (925 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,167 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (834 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (5,725 reviews)
ITA Airways
Good (728 reviews)
JetBlue
Good (1,584 reviews)
Spirit Airlines
Good (4,546 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in Kiawah Island

Average rates range from around $463 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $598 and up for a 5-star experience.

Where to stay in popular areas of Kiawah Island

Most booked hotels in Kiawah Island

Charleston Kiawah Island/Andell Inn
3 stars
Excellent (9.2, 127 reviews)
$407+
Kiawah Island Golf Resort - Villas
4 stars
Poor (0, 0 reviews)
$455+
The Sanctuary At Kiawah Island Golf Resort
5 stars
Poor (0, 0 reviews)
$763+

Renting a car in Kiawah Island

Renting a car in Kiawah Island costs $137 per day, on average, or $412 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, 39% more expensive than at Charleston.

Expect to pay $3.90 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 $46.79 and $62.38. Compact (Toyota Corolla or similar) is the most popular car type to rent in Kiawah Island, while also 55% cheaper than other types, on average.

Renting a car in Kiawah Island costs $137 per day, on average, or $412 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, 39% more expensive than at Charleston.

Expect to pay $3.90 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 $46.79 and $62.38. Compact (Toyota Corolla or similar) is the most popular car type to rent in Kiawah Island, while also 55% cheaper than other types, on average.