Island Insights
2000's
2021
PGA Championship returns to The Ocean Course
2013
South Street Partners acquire Kiawah Partners
2012
PGA Championship played at The Ocean Course won by Rory McIlroy Ocean Park neighborhood debuts
2007
New Ocean Course Clubhouse opens for Senior PGA
2004
Kiawah Partners break ground on Freshfields Village
The Sanctuary hotel at Kiawah Island opens
2000
Kiawah Island Club’s Cassique Course, designed by Tom Watson, opens
1900's
1995
Kiawah Island Club’s River Course, designed by Tom Fazio, opens
1994
Darby family acquires Vanderhorst home and begins restoration
1993
The Kiawah Island Club (KIC) is founded
1991
USA beats Europe in dramatic finish of the Ryder Cup Matches at the new Ocean Course designed by Pete Dye
1989
Hurricane Hugo hits the Charleston area KRA sells resort assets to Landmark Land Co.
photo by Glenn Jeffries
1988
Osprey Point golf course, designed by Tom Fazio, opens
Real estate developer Kiawah Resort Associates (KRA) purchases Kiawah’s Undeveloped lands and all resort assets and amenities
Town of Kiawah is incorporated
1981
Turtle Point, designed by Jack Nicklaus, opens
1976
Real Estate sales begin and the Kiawah Island Inn opens
Marsh Point (now known as Cougar Point) golf course, designed by Gary Player, opens
The Kiawah Island Architectural Review Board (ARB) was established to be the “keeper of the vision” related to the master plan and designing with nature concept.
1974
The heirs of C.C. Royal sell Kiawah to Kuwait Investment Corporation; an extensive environmental inventory is conducted, a master plan for development is drawn
1954
C.C. Royal develops the first summer home neighborhood on Kiawah along the beach and names the street Eugenia, after his wife
1950
C.C. Royal purchases Kiawah from the Vanderhorst estate to use for logging and timber
1911
Daily passenger and freight service by boat from Kiawah to Charleston begins
1900
Adele Vanderhorst purchases the Gibbes property, uniting Kiawah under a single owner for the first time in almost 200 years
1800's
1864
Union Troops almost demolish Vanderhorst plantation home
1862
Civil War brings Confederate troops, who occupy and destroy Shoolbred plantation
image source: Library of Congress
1815
Elias Vanderhorst inherits Kiawah Island from Arnoldus II, and continues production of cotton
1812
During the War of 1812, fortifications are built on the north end of Kiawah to maintain control of the Stono and Kiawah Rivers
1700's
1782
General Nathaniel Greene arranges a truce for American officers to use Kiawah for rest and relaxation; the officers stay at the Gibbes plantation on the Kiawah River
1780
British burn the home of Arnoldus Vanderhorst II
1775
Revolutionary War begins. Arnoldus Vanderhorst II, Governor of South Carolina, acquires title to Sandy Point area of Kiawah Island
1717
John Stanyarne acquires Kiawah Island
1600's
1675
Kiawah Indians cede Kiawah Island to the English Lord’s Proprietor, Anthony Ashley Cooper, Earl of Shaftesbury
1670
Cassique, chieftain of the Kiawah Indians, leads English colonists to settle at Charlestowne Landing
Wish You Were Here: Our Lowcountry Location
Kiawah is a part of Charleston County and getting to the Island is easy. A causeway weaving through a stunning stretch of Lowcountry terrain joins the private island to the mainland. Kiawah is a quick, 33-mile trip from Charleston International Airport (CHS), and only 10 miles from Charleston Executive Airport (JZI).
Sunny Side Up: Kiawah Weather
Year-round connection with nature comes standard on Kiawah Island. The weather is enviably temperate, with an average high temperature of 60 degrees Fahrenheit in winter and an average high temperature of 85 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer months. Typically, the coldest month is January, the warmest is July, and the rainiest is August.
Kiawah Government
The town of Kiawah was Incorporated in 1988. Its primary aim is providing a responsive local government and maintaining local control of available, existing technical services by interfacing with boards and committees. The town operates as a Mayor-Council form of government.
Nice to Meet You: The Kiawah Population
Kiawah Island’s full-time resident population is approximately 1,400, with tourist and part-time resident population numbers ranging between 8,000 to 10,000 per day during the summer; the median age is 61 years old.
Explore Island Life
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.
On the Water
H2OMG! With ten miles of gorgeous Atlantic shoreline, the shimmering Kiawah River, ribboning waterways, and tranquil lagoons, the Island is an everyday celebration of life in flow motion.