Island Life
On the Water
Life in Flow Motion: Outdoor Water Activities on Kiawah
When considering the myriad of things to do on Kiawah Island, adventures on the water hold sway. Ten miles of private, Atlantic shoreline and a vast network of ribboning interior waterways define island life, where getting wet and making waves are always encouraged.
At the Beach
Kiawah shorelines comprise some of the best beaches near Charleston. Kiawah beaches’ rare east-west orientation allows beachgoers to enjoy both gold-tinted sunrise and scarlet-hued sunset from the exact same spot on the sand. Here, families come together for sandcastle building, bike riding, and kite flying. Impromptu volleyball games are initiated throughout the day, and lounge rentals provide spectators a comfortable place to cheer participants on or thrill adventure seekers taking to the sea. Swimming, surfing, and stand-up paddleboarding fill afternoons near the shore while boating, parasailing, and deep-sea fishing unfold across deeper waters.
On the River
Kiawah Island kayak tours reveal the beauty of Lowcountry waterways from an entirely fresh perspective. Afternoons spent gliding across the shimmering surface of the Kiawah River or its circuit of tributaries imbue serenity and a connection with nature unlike any other activity on the Island. Marsh kayaking, too, is a celebration of natural riches, where dolphins strand feeding on the banks always elicits a thrill. Stand-up paddleboards elevate the view for athletic nature lovers, attended by a melody of birdsong from the tree canopies bordering the banks. Kiawah fishing and crabbing, too, showcase lush and magnificent landscapes on the Island’s sun-dappled waterways.
Explore Island Life
Island Insights
Travel back to 1600’s South Carolina with our Kiawah Island timeline and get a sense of who we are, how we govern, and why we love our year-round weather.
Out & About
From fairways to Freshfields, from Charleston to churches, Kiawah’s ideal location places residents in the heart of the Lowcountry and its most celebrated offerings.
Within Nature
The neighbors get a little wild on Kiawah—and we love it. With so many species of mammals, reptiles, and birds residing here, we’re dedicated to making sure they always feel at home.