Location and accessibility
Kiawah Island is easily accessible from Charleston’s city center along a relatively short and scenic 21-mile drive. The island is 33 miles from Charleston International Airport (CHS) and 10 miles from Charleston Executive Airport (JZI), which makes the island appealing to travelers arriving on commercial flights or private jets. The Savannah Highway connects the island to the mainland, so ferry access isn’t necessary. With narrow roads, congestion is common during high season, so plan time for delays when visiting in summer. Since Kiawah Island is a largely private, gated community, visitors typically need to provide their reservation or guest details at the gate.Hilton Head
Hilton Head Island is just over 100 miles southwest of Kiawah Island and about an hour drive from Savannah, Georgia, and the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV). While arriving in a major city is ideal for some visitors, some choose the regional Hilton Head Island Airport (HHH), which places them close to major attractions.The Island is easily accessible by car along the U.S. Highway 278. Roads are well-maintained and easy to navigate, with the William Hilton Parkway and Cross Island Parkway connecting guests to most tourist attractions and accommodations. While there is no vehicle ferry, passenger boats operate short trips to Daufuskie Island for visitors looking to explore nearby areas.Beaches and scenery
Both locales, Hilton Head and Kiawah Island, are top island destinations with an array of vacation-worthy beaches dotted with marshes and tide-shaped landscapes. Visitors to either location can explore maritime forests and view abundant wildlife, including sea turtles and great blue herons. On both islands, expect warm waters, a gentle surf and soft tan sand along wide stretches of flat shoreline, perfect for multigenerational swimmers and sunbathers.Kiawah Island
Kiawah boasts 10 miles of award-winning beaches, and access is almost exclusively private, resulting in fewer crowds and increased exclusivity. The island's only public option is Beachwalker Park, with the rest reserved for residents, resorts and guests. Kiawah is a nature-focused community that offers a 30-mile trail system and five public golf courses on-site. The famous Oceans Course offers Atlantic shoreline views at every hole and is carefully developed around wild salt marshes and windswept dunes, reflecting to Kiawah’s passion for land and sea conservation.
Hilton Head
Hilton Head boasts 12 miles of public beachfront, making it an ideal destination for day visitors seeking an accessible and social experience. Entry points are well-maintained and offer restrooms and ample parking for larger crowds. Coligny Beach Park is a popular option with access to local shops and restaurants. Folly Field Beach and Burkes Beach are good choices for fewer crowds.The island is more densely developed than Kiawah, but it also prides itself on ecological preservation. The 4,000-acre Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge consists of salt marshes and creeks ideal for spotting migratory birds. The Sea Pines Forest Preserve is known for wildflower blooms in the spring months.
Accommodations
Kiawah Island hotels are smaller, low-rise, and blend with the natural surroundings, with average nightly rates lower than Hilton Head. Hilton Head resorts are larger, more expensive, and offer more social and family-oriented amenities.Kiawah Island
Kiawah Island charges premium prices for resort access. According to Kayak, the average nightly rate is $231, and averages can rise to $678, with resorts being most affordable in December at an average $157 per night. Popular accommodations include:- The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort
- The Dunlin
- Charleston Kiawah Island/Andell Inn.
Hilton Head
Hilton Head’s top-tier accommodations skew higher than those in Kiawah Island, but with a larger footprint, there are options at varied price points. According to Budget Your Trip, the average resort room costs $472 per night and increases to an average of $882 in high season. Coveted Hilton Head hotels include:- Beach House Resort Hilton Head Island
- Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort
- Montage Palmetto Bluff
Dining
Dining in Hilton Head vs Kiawah Island boils down to two distinctly coastal yet contrasting cuisines. Both islands offer a range of casual and finer establishments, with Kiawah specializing in intimate and natural venues, while Hilton Head caters to larger, social dining options.Kiawah Island
Kiahwah Island focuses on locally sourced seafood dishes with a Southern flair. Higher-end restaurants are found in the Kiawah Island Golf Resort, while casual options are typically in Freshfields Village. Local favorites include:- The Atlantic Room: Panoramic ocean views and fresh-caught seafood plates
- La Tela Pizzeria: Farm-to-table Neapolitan-style pies
- Jasmine Porch: A comfort-food stop highlighting the lowcountry’s wood-grilled proteins and she-crab soup
Hilton Head
Hilton Head Island houses over 250 eateries within its 12 miles, ideal for those seeking a broad culinary experience. While traditional seafood dishes like oysters and fresh-caught shrimp are plentiful, international options like Italian, Caribbean and Japanese also abound. Crowd favorites include:- Skull Creek Boathouse: A prime location for sunset viewing alongside fresh seafood and craft cocktails
- The Sea Shack: No-frills fried cajun seafood and po’boys
- Cucina Italiana: A romantic spot serving homemade pasta and well-curated wines
Real Estate
When comparing Hilton Head to Kiawah Island’s real estate costs, there are some differences in the cost of living, but both resort towns sit above than the U.S. national average and have a notably affluent communities.Kiawah Island
According to the Kiawah Conservancy, 3,875 acres of the 10,000-acre island are protected as an ecological and wildlife habitat. With less development on the island, ownership is more exclusive than in Hilton Head, with the average home costing $2,026,115. With groceries and utilities, the total cost of living is 70% higher than the national average.
Hilton Head
Hilton Head is nearly four times the size of Kiawah Island and much more developed, which offers a wider array of housing. The average cost of a home on the island is $766,140, less than Kiawah. The overall cost of living is 4% above the U.S., which is very affordable for a well-attended tourist destination.
Kiawah Island vs. Hilton Head comparison
When choosing between a visit to Kiawah Island vs. Hilton Head, compare the commute, activities and overall expense. This chart highlights key differences between the two destinations.| Feature | Kiawah Island | Hilton Head |
| Distance from the closest airport | 33.9 miles to Charleston International Airport | 3.7 miles to Hilton Head Island Airport |
| Distance from the closest major city | 26.2 miles to Charleston, South Carolina | 31.2 miles to Savannah, Georgia |
| Activities | Beach activities, 30 miles of hiking trails, | Nature preserves, beach bars, lively dining scene, golf |
| Average home price | $2,026,115 | $766,140 |
Who should choose Kiawah Island?
Kiawah Island attracts visitors and residents who value luxury, romance and seclusion. Golf lovers appreciate it for its reputable courses. Residents agree that the top things to do on Kiawah Island center around nature rather than nightlife, with quick access to thousands of acres of protected nature.Who should choose Hilton Head?
Hilton Head is best for families, social travelers, groups, and golf enthusiasts who want access to a range of courses. While beachfronts may be more crowded, they’re often filled with activities and amenities that are readily accessible. Families can supplement time on the coast with time in the island preserves or at the Coastal Discovery Museum.Get your dream coastal home with Pacaso
Whether you choose Kiawah or Hilton Head, simplify logistics by enlisting Pacaso as your guide towards co-ownership. Browse our Kiawah Island and Hilton Head listings to find the beachside home of your dreams, right in the heart of South Carolina’s coastal ecosystem.Kiawah Island vs Hilton Head FAQ
01: What’s the distance from Kiawah Island to Hilton Head?
The shortest drive from Kiawah Island to Hilton Head is 109 miles, and the drive takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
02: What celebrities live on Kiawah Island?
03: Is Kiawah Island or Hilton Head better for golfing?
Harbour Town Golf Links is a popular public course in Hilton Head, but Kiawah Island wins for the most reputable and scenic golfing opportunities, especially on the Ocean course.
