Kiawah was named for the Kiawah Indians who lived in the area. In 1670 the Chieftain of the Kiawah’s led the English colonists to their settlement in the Charlestowne Landing area. Located 25 miles from downtown Charleston,  Kiawah is a barrier island, that extends to the east along the Atlantic shoreline from the Kiawah River.

Kiawah is operated a a beach and golf resort and is 13.4 square miles with 10 miles of beaches. Kiawah offers many amenities, but is best known as a premier golf destination in S. Carolina with 7 award winning courses. The area has paved trails for biking and walking. The County of Charleston operates Beachwalker County Park and beach amenities.

Canoeing and kayaking on the tidal creeks, salt marshes and Kiawah River are popular activities as are shopping and dining at the world renowned Sanctuary Resort. Wildlife is a very popular part of the Kiawah culture. It is not uncommon to spot Egrets, Osprey, Loggerhead Turtles and the area is known for its resident Alligators.