KiawahIsland
SouthCarolina
Kiawah Island represents one of the most distinctive residential environments on the East Coast,defined by preserved natural beauty, thoughtfully planned communities,and an exceptional breadth of amenities.
Located just outside historic Charleston,the island offers ten miles of pristine shoreline,maritime forests,and expansive marsh vistas that shape daily life for property owners.
Ownership on Kiawah provides access to a lifestyle that balances privacy and recreation,with opportunities ranging from championship golf and racquet sports to miles of scenic trails,wellness facilities,and coastal water access.
Carefully designed neighborhoods offer a sense of seclusion while remaining connected to the island?s social and recreational core
Whether drawn by the tranquility of the shoreline or the depth of amenities available through club membership,Kiawah Island offers a refined coastal lifestyle defined by stewardship,community,and enduring value.
Kiawah IslandResidential Enclaves
From oceanfront retreats and golf estates to wooded sanctuaries surrounded by wildlife and water, every neighborhood on Kiawah offers its own blend of beauty,privacy,and character.
Below are the island?s primary regions:
WEST BEACH
The island?s original village,West Beach offers a relaxed coastal atmosphere Located just south of the island?s entrance,the area is home to Cougar Point Golf Course and is characterized by winding bike paths and a laid-back village feel.
EAST BEACH
East Beach is a centrally located and lively area,anchored by The Sanctuary Hotel and Night Heron Park.It is home to many of Kiawah Island?s key amenities including the Nature Center,Turtle Point Golf Course,The Nest Market & Cafe,and the Roy Barth Tennis Center.
VANDERHORST
Vanderhorst is a quieter,more secluded section of the island defined by marshland,maritime forest, lagoons,and upscale residences.Asecondary gated entrance provides an additional layer of privacy,appealing to those seeking a more tranquil island setting.
OCEAN PARK
Kiawah?s newest residential enclave,Ocean Park presents a modern interpretation of Lowcountry living.Located on the eastern end of the island,it is home to the Ocean Course and features a thoughtfully planned,walkable neighborhood design
EAST BEACH
WEST BEACH
VANDERHORST
OCEAN PARK
KiawahIslandAmenities
PropertyOwnerAccess
All Kiawah Island property owners (through the Kiawah Island Community Association) enjoy:
- 24-hour gated entry and security
- Direct beach access throughout the island
- Access to sandcastle pool
- An extensive network of island trails and paths
- Preserved natural areas and maritime landscapes
These foundational amenities define daily life on the island and are available without club membership
Resort Offerings
Operated by Kiawah Island Golf Resort and available to the public,with enhanced access and benefits through Kiawah Island Golf Resort?s Governor?s Club.
MembershipOfferings
For expanded recreational,social,and lifestyle offerings, property owners may choose to join one of Kiawah Island?s two primary clubs:
KIAWAH ISLAND CLUB
A private,ownership-linked club offering an elevated, highly exclusive experience.
THE GOVERNOR?S CLUB
A flexible,resort-based membership open to all eligible Kiawah Island property owners
The followingpagesexplore eachoptionindetail.
KiawahIslandClub
The Kiawah Island Club is designed for property owners seeking a highly private,ownership?linked club environment.Membership integrates golf,wellness,dining,and social programming into daily island life and is offered in limited allocation.
SignatureKiawahIslandClubAmenities:
PRIVATE GOLFCOURSES
Cassique ? Apar-72 course inspired by the classic links of Ireland and Scotland
The River Course ? Kiawah?s original private course set along the Kiawah River
DISTINCTIVECLUBHOUSES & DINING
Cassique Clubhouse ? Asophisticated gathering space featuring Voysey?s steakhouse,The Living Room bar and bistro,and Tom?s Kitchen event venue
River Course Clubhouse ? Aclassic Lowcountry clubhouse offering dining rooms,lounges,event spaces,and wellness facilities
THE BEACH CLUB
An oceanfront venue featuring three pools and casual coastal dining at The Shack and B-Liner
SPORTS PAVILION
A state-of-the-art fitness center in Cassique
SASANQUA SPA
A 10,000-square-foot day spa offering treatments in a tranquil natural setting
MARSH HOUSE
An indoor-outdoor venue featuring an infinity pool,outdoor grill,and bar overlooking the marsh
MembershipOptions
GolfMembership
Provides full access to both private courses ?
Cassique and The River Course ? along with all practice greens and club amenities
Cart andcaddie feesapply.
SportsMembership
Ideal for those prioritizing wellness and racquet sports,with access to club amenities and reduced golf fees
SocialMembership
Provides access to clubhouses,The Beach Club,Sports Pavilion,and Sasanqua Spa Golf privileges are not included.
MembershipStructure
Membership is offered only with the purchase of a qualifying property and cannot be transferred independently.Golf and Sports Memberships are offered in both Individual and Family options,with access varying by membership type.Immediate family includes the member,spouse,and unmarried children under the age of twenty-three who meet residency or education requirements
Alldues,fees,andprivilegesare subject to change andare confirmedduringthe membershipapplicationprocess.
TheGovernor?sClub
The Governor?s Club serves as the primary membership option for Kiawah Island property owners Membership is renewed annually and provides access to golf,racquet sports,fitness, pools,dining,and recreation across the island
Governor?sClubMembershipBenefits:
PREFERRED ACCESS & REDUCED PLAYING FEES AT FIVE WORLD-CLASS GOLFCOURSES
The OceanCourse
Turtle Point
OspreyPoint
Cougar Point
OakPoint
TENNIS, PICKLEBALL, & PADEL
RoyBarthTennisCenter ? professional instruction,clinics,leagues,and social play
POOLS & FITNESS
- Night Heron Park Pools ? featuring family pools,lap lanes,and children?s features
- West Beach Pool ? an interactive pool complex with nearby casual dining
- Night Heron Fitness Center ? offering modern equipment and classes
DINING, SPA, & LIFESTYLE PRIVILEGES
- 15% discounts on food,beverage,retail,spa services,and recreation
- Additional savings during select member dining nights
- Preferential reservations at resort restaurants and The Spa at The Sanctuary
MembershipOptions
GolfMembership
Provides access to all five resort courses, unlimited practice greens,and full social benefits.
TennisMembership
Includes court access,reduced lesson rates, and social privileges,with golf available at member?guest rates
Golf& TennisMembership
Combines benefits of both memberships for a comprehensive,active lifestyle
SocialMembership
Provides access to club amenities,events,pools, and preferential golf and tennis rates.
Pool-OnlyMembership
Provides access to designated resort pools only
Membershipcategories,access,andpricingare subject toannualrenewalandavailability.
Kiawah IslandGolf
FivePublicWorld-ClassCourses
THE OCEAN COURSE
Designed by Pete Dye,this internationally recognized course plays directly along the Atlantic and is defined by wind,exposure,and dramatic coastal views It is the host of multiple PGA Championships and international competitions.
TURTLE POINT
A Jack Nicklaus design emphasizing precision and strategic play,featuring several ocean?adjacent holes.
OSPREY POINT
Designed by Tom Fazio,this course winds through marshes and maritime forest,offering variety and playability
COUGAR POINT
A Gary Player design with expansive views of the Kiawah River,approachable for a wide range of skill levels.
OAK POINT
Designed by Clyde Johnston,Oak Point traces historic plantation grounds along Haulover Creek.
PrivateMemberCourses
ForKiawahIslandClubMembers
CASSIQUE
A private golf experience shaped for regular play and long-term enjoyment Set within maritime forest and open Lowcountry landscapes,the course blends strategic shotmaking with an approachable layout.
Beyond the fairways,Cassique serves as a central gathering place for members,where daily rounds,tournaments,and social traditions are closely woven into Club life.
THE RIVER COURSE
Offering a more challenging setting framed by marsh and river views,serving as both a golf venue and social hub for members.
For many members,the course functions as both a favorite venue for regular play and a hub for social connection,with golf,dining,and community events unfolding throughout the year.
IslandLife
Kiawah Island?s lifestyle is defined by experiences that are available to all property owners, regardless of membership From miles of trails and unspoiled beaches to tidal waterways and preserved natural areas,these everyday activities form the foundation of life on Kiawah.
BEACH & SHORELINEACCESS
All property owners enjoy access to ten miles of beachfront with more than forty access points, seamlessly integrating the shoreline into everyday routines
BIKING & WALKING TRAILS
Approximately thirty miles of paved and shaded trails connect neighborhoods,beaches, amenities,and natural areas,making walking and biking integral to island life
WATERWAYS, KAYAKING & PADDLE SPORTS
Surrounded by tidal creeks,rivers,and marshland,Kiawah offers exceptional access to coastal waterways Kayaking and paddleboarding opportunities include:
- Guided marsh and creek tours
- Wildlife-focused paddles through tidal estuaries
- Independent exploration from designated launch points
These experiences provide close encounters with dolphins,shorebirds,and native marine life.
FISHING & BOATING EXPERIENCES
Fishing is a cherished part of coastal life on Kiawah.Options include:
- Inshore and nearshore fishing charters
- Guided creek and river fishing
- Shoreline and dock fishing throughout the island
Charters and excursions can be arranged through local operators and resort partners.
RENTALS
Rental services are widely available and can often be delivered directly to residences:
- Bicycles (adult and child sizes)
- Kayaks and paddleboards
- Beach equipment and games
FRESHFIELDS VILLAGE
Located just beyond the island?s main gate,Freshfields Village serves as a convenient town center offering boutique shopping,dining,and everyday essentials in a walkable,open-air setting
Beaches
The shoreline of Kiawah Island is one of its most defining luxuries.Stretching for approximately ten miles,the island?s beach is wide,gently sloping,and shaped by natural tides rather than commercial development
Rolling dunes,protected maritime forest,and open views of the Atlantic create a setting that feels both expansive and serene.
Unlike many coastal destinations,Kiawah?s beaches are carefully managed to remain peaceful and environmentally protected throughout the year
BeachAccess& DailyLiving
Property owners enjoy access to more than forty beach access points located throughout the island.These access points allow residents to reach the shoreline easily by foot or bicycle, integrating the beach into everyday routines
Daily beach life on Kiawah often includes:
- Morning walks,runs,and fitness routines
- Swimming and sunbathing
- Surf fishing and shelling
- Sunrise and sunset gatherings with family and friends
For many homeowners,the beach becomes an extension of their living space? a place for quiet reflection as much as active enjoyment
Wildlife
Carefully preserved maritime forests,tidal creeks,salt marshes,lagoons,and beachfront habitats on Kiawah Island create a natural sanctuary for hundreds of species
Residents regularly observe a diverse array of wildlife throughout the island,including:
- Loggerhead sea turtles,which nest along the beaches during the summer months
- Bottlenose dolphins,often seen just offshore or in tidal creeks
- White-tailed deer and bobcats,particularly in wooded and marsh-adjacent areas
- Alligators,commonly found in freshwater lagoons
- Over 300 species of birds,including painted buntings,egrets,herons,pelicans,and migratory shorebirds
Kiawah Island?s development has long been guided by a preservation-first philosophy.Large areas of the island remain undeveloped,allowing ecosystems to thrive and wildlife corridors to remain intact
This approach shapes 10,000 acres of Audubahn Sanctuary and the culture of the community. Residents are stewards of the environment,sharing the island with its native inhabitants while respecting natural rhythms.
