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, ITA Airways, JetBlue 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.

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 Easirent and Hertz, among others, in Charlotte.

Bus

FlixBus operates bus routes to Kiawah Island. From Raleigh, the bus ride to Kiawah Island takes 345 miles and will cost you around $63. From Orlando, the ticket costs about $95 for a journey of 545 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, ITA Airways, JetBlue 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.

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 Easirent and Hertz, among others, in Charlotte.

Bus

FlixBus operates bus routes to Kiawah Island. From Raleigh, the bus ride to Kiawah Island takes 345 miles and will cost you around $63. From Orlando, the ticket costs about $95 for a journey of 545 miles.

Airports near Kiawah Island

Airlines serving Kiawah Island

Lufthansa
Good (4,591 reviews)
KLM
Good (849 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,433 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,598 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (2,275 reviews)
Air France
Good (970 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (478 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,924 reviews)
Emirates
Good (2,123 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,484 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (5,696 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (225 reviews)
Finnair
Good (877 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,163 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (913 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (832 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (5,499 reviews)
ITA Airways
Good (704 reviews)
JetBlue
Good (1,614 reviews)
Spirit Airlines
Good (4,527 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in Kiawah Island

Average rates range from around $388 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 (9.3, 125 reviews)
$394+
Kiawah Island Golf Resort
4 stars
Poor (0, 0 reviews)
$343+
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.