Kiawah Island – Charleston, South Carolina

Kiawah Island is a private, residential resort located in Charleston County. The name Kiawah, pronounced KEE-a-wah, comes from the Kiawah Indians who once lived here. They were a subtribe of the Cusabos, a now extinct tribe that once inhabited South Carolina’s coast. Kiawah’s 10 miles of open beach and well developed dunes make it a safe haven for our state reptile the loggerhead sea turtle.

Since female loggerheads are easily distracted by sounds and lights when they come to the shore to lay their eggs, Kiawah’s private beach is a perfect place for them to go. It is very important to many residents of Kiawah to protect the sea turtle population, so all lights are turned off at night, even at the resort and golf courses. Kiawah Island averages 150 nests per season!

SCIWAY visitor Laura Beane, who honeymooned on Kiawah Island, describes her stay: “Kiawah Island is one of the most romantic places I have ever visited. The wildlife on the island is abundant. We were provided with a wildlife book upon our arrival and enjoyed identifying and learning about the wildlife that calls the South Carolina Lowcountry home.”

“South Carolina is a state rich with beauty and a compelling history. I highly recommend it as a vacation destination. We found this state to truly live up to its reputation for Southern Hospitality.”

Special thanks to Douglas Stewart of Johns Island, who captured this picture in April 2009.