Kiawa Island 10 miles of beach
Written: Jan 13 '00 (Updated Jan 18 '00)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Warm, friendly and easy access
Cons: Hope it doesn't rain
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| TSomes's Full Review: South Carolina |
Several years ago my wife and I were looking for a place for spring vacation. Being the great procrastinators most places were booked or we were unable to get airline reservations. A business associate of mine recommended Kiawa Island in South Carolina. This turned out to be the kind of recommendation you can't wait to pass on!
I called the local realtor, Pam Harrington that had been recommended. Within 15 minutes I had booked a beach side condo for the exact week we had been looking for. I was able to book flights into the Charleston airport with no problems. All in all the entire vacation booking was done within 30.
The flight was uneventful and after one stop we arrived at Charleston airport. The airport is small but seems to offer quite a few flight options. A short concourse led up to the car rental desks. All of the car rentals are local on the airport property and within 15 minutes we were on the road.
The drive to Kiawa is about 35 minutes. The first 20 are on major roads. The last 15-15 are on smaller roads lined with moss covered trees.
Kiawa Island is a gated community, accessible only by property owners and renters. After picking up our keys and island pass we made our way onto Kiawa. The island is about 10 miles long and varies in width up to about a mile. The island has many condo complexes and residential houses very nicely situate among the tropical vegetation. The entire island is a planned community that has received national recognition.
There are five golf courses on the island. While they are not cheap the layouts offer a challenge and the scenery is fantastic. The Ocean course on the far end of the island is exceptional and has hosted major international golf tournaments. The far end of the island is private to residents only. You MUST make golf or restaurant reservations if you wish to see the course. We had Sunday brunch at the clubhouse. Two other people and us enjoyed a very nice meal and wonderful views.
The island also offers daily children's programs including day camps, sports camps and nightly entertainment.
The beaches are by far the nicest I have ever visited. They stretch on for miles and in June were virtually empty. The water is warm and the waves averaged around two feet, just enough for body surfing without getting hurt. My 7-year-old son was in heaven. Boogie boards are available to rent. At high tide the beach is maybe 50-60 feet wide while at low tide the sand stretches for hundreds of feet before you reach water. The water drops off very gradual and is very warm. The sand is great for making castles and by weeks end I think I had sculpted my share.
Chairs and umbrellas are available to rent and set up daily by the beach staff.
There are no grocery stores, only a small 7-11 style, and only a couple of restaurants on the island. Just off the island there is a gourmet takeout food store. It is not cheap but the food is excellent. Next door they offer thirty styles of chicken wings.
Overall this is a great place to vacation. Shop for groceries, or have them delivered, before you go to the island. Bring plenty of suntan lotion a couple of good books and kick back and relax. Let the beach be your baby sitter. Great place if you're a golfer.
Make a side trip to the beautiful city of Charleston.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
TSomes
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 - Top 1000 |
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Member: Tedd Somes
Location: Bolton, CT.
Reviews written: 160
Trusted by: 415 members
About Me:
Just an ordinary guy with opinions on life and the world around us.
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