Kiawah Island is stunning. It is an unspoiled barrier island with an incredible ecosystem that includes 10 miles of pristine beach along the Atlantic coast, a maritime forest, and a labyrinth of saltwater marshes. The ocean, forests, and brackish waterways are home to 300 species of birds, 18 species of mammals, and 30 species of reptiles. There are so many incredible features, it’s hard to accurately describe this unique place located around 25 miles south of Charleston, South Carolina.

It was named for the Kiawah Native Americans. They lived off the land and fished from the ocean long before the colonists arrived in the Carolinas. The history continued with tales of pirates, plantation owners, enslaved people, lumbermen, and investors. Each inhabitant made Kiawah what it is today: a beautifully preserved nature sanctuary that is also a vacation paradise.
Our family is fortunate to have so many memories on this beautiful island. From our honeymoon in 1982 to celebrating our 40th anniversary in 2022, and everything in between, here is our history with Kiawah Island.