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 32 km from Kiawah Island. Savannah/Hilton Head is the most popular, with regular flights from Air France, ITA Airways, JetBlue and other airlines departing from the United States. The shortest domestic flight to Kiawah Island departs from Fort Lauderdale and takes around 1h 40m.

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 $60 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Richmond, expect to pay about $72 for a 7h 11m trip.

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 Hertz and Easirent, among others, in Charlotte.

Bus

FlixBus operates bus routes to Kiawah Island. From Raleigh, the bus ride to Kiawah Island takes 555 km and will cost you around $64. From Washington, D.C., the ticket costs about $130 for a journey of 1135 km.

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 Air France, ITA Airways, JetBlue and other airlines departing from the United States. The shortest domestic flight to Kiawah Island departs from Fort Lauderdale and takes around 1h 40m.

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 $60 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Richmond, expect to pay about $72 for a 7h 11m trip.

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 Hertz and Easirent, among others, in Charlotte.

Bus

FlixBus operates bus routes to Kiawah Island. From Raleigh, the bus ride to Kiawah Island takes 555 km and will cost you around $64. From Washington, D.C., the ticket costs about $130 for a journey of 1135 km.

Airports near Kiawah Island

Airlines serving Kiawah Island

Lufthansa
Good (4,614 reviews)
KLM
Good (848 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,451 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,599 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (2,282 reviews)
Air France
Good (974 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (476 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,930 reviews)
Emirates
Good (2,125 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,478 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (5,729 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (228 reviews)
Finnair
Good (878 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,160 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (911 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (832 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (5,515 reviews)
ITA Airways
Good (708 reviews)
JetBlue
Good (1,607 reviews)
Spirit Airlines
Good (4,525 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in Kiawah Island

Average rates range from around $384 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $566 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, 124 reviews)
$396+
Kiawah Island Golf Resort
4 stars
Poor (0, 0 reviews)
$336+
The Sanctuary At Kiawah Island Golf Resort
5 stars
Poor (0, 0 reviews)
$763+

Renting a car in Kiawah Island

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 (Kia Soul or similar) is the most popular car type to rent in Kiawah Island, while also 44% cheaper than other types, on average.

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 (Kia Soul or similar) is the most popular car type to rent in Kiawah Island, while also 44% cheaper than other types, on average.