Both a town and a private resort community, Kiawah Island is quite simply the most highly regarded of all the resort islands of the South Carolina coast, and by offering 5 different award winning golf courses across the pristine island – an island that boasts the largest stretch of ocean front of all the Greater Charleston barrier islands – it’s  no surprise that Kiawah is among the most popular golf destinations in the world. With courses designed by the likes of Jack Nicklaus, Pete Dye, Gary Player, and Tom Fazio, Kiawah is a virtual golfer’s paradise. The famed Ocean Course is considered to be among the toughest courses on the East Coast, and has played host to the Ryder Cup, the World Cup, and the Senior PGA Championship.

Though its beaches offer luxuries and scenery one would expect of a Carribean resort, many are surprised to learn that the Charleston County Parks & Recreation Commission operates Beachwalker Park, a gorgeous public beach on the southern end Kiawah Island (most locals still are not even aware of this public masterpiece). With the slightly more populated Seabrook Island (also a resort town) helping boost the feel of community in the Johns Island area, Kiawah enjoys a paradoxical atmosphere of exclusivity and inclusion among the Greater Charleston community. The smooth, scenic 45 minute drive to the downtown historic district is far more a joyride than a commute for Kiawah Islanders who work in town. But with Kiawah being a playground for some of the wealthiest tycoons  and celebrities in the world, Kiawah is not exactly a place where you expect to find workaholics, and since it has easy access to the planned town center “Freshfields Village” and numerous restaurants on the island and the adjacent Johns Island, Kiawah is not at all secluded from civiliation.

Kiawah offers first class beaches, equestrian facilities, tennis clubs, swimming pools, soccer, polo — you name it. If it’s a favorite pastime for the rich and famous, you’ll find it going on at Kiawah. The island is so laid back that even 8-point bucks walk around in broad daylight while not-so-friendly gators stroll the golf courses with little concern. Life is beautiful and natural on Kiawah, and everyone should visit the island at least once, even if to simply walk the beach or enjoy one of the fine restaurants that are managed by the resort.  For a no-travel vacation, many locals take advantage of the surprisingly affordable vacation rentals on the resort, and we suggest you do too – especially if you golf.

In 2007 the Town of Kiawah Island had an estimated population just over 1100. 

Click here to see a full screen slideshow of Kiawah Island in our Gallery!