When choosing an airport near Kiawah Island, South Carolina, be sure to account for transfers upon arrival. All of the "nearby" airports are close in terms of nautical miles, but they often require a lengthy drive to reach the destination. Console yourself that the one or two hours spent in a rental car, taxi or private shuttle will definitely be worth it once the resort comes into view. Kiawah Island is home to five championship golf courses designed by some of the "who's who" of golf (Jack Nicklaus, Pete Dye, Tom Fazio, Gary Player and Clyde Johnston). These courses have hosted premier Senior PGA, Ryder Cup, World Cup and PGA National Championship events. The 94th PGA Championship will take place at Kiawah Island Golf Resort in 2012, placing it among the elite of major PGA event hosts.
Charleston International Airport (CHS)
One hour by car (35 miles) brings you to Kiawah from the largest commercial airport near the island: Charleston International Airport (CHS). CHS is served by nearly 125 daily flights on seven airlines, from major destinations including Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, New York and Washington, D.C.
Charleston International Airport
5500 Internal Blvd. #101
Charleston, SC 29418
(843) 767-1100
chs-airport.com
Charleston Executive Airport (JZI)
Charleston Executive Airport (JZI) is a small airport located quite near Kiawah Island (18 miles: a 36-minute drive), but it does not have the flight volume capacity of Charleston International or other larger airports further away. Nonetheless, this public-use airport houses more than 50 aircraft onsite and averages nearly 150 daily flights. Small jet aircraft can also be accomodated at JZI.
Charleston Executive Airport
2700 Fort Trenholm Rd.
Johns Island, SC 29455
(843) 767-7010
Mt. Pleasant Regional Airport-Faison Field (LRO)
Forty miles northeast is another small airport near Kiawah Island, South Carolina: Mt. Pleasant Regional Airport-Faison Field (LRO). Nearly eighty aircraft are housed onsite at this small public airport, which is owned by the Charleston Aviation Authority. LRO averages 80 daily flights and is located 1.25 hours by car from Kiawah Island.
Mt. Pleasant Regional Airport-Faison Field
700 Faison Parkway
Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
(843) 767-7010
Summerville/Dorchester County Airport (DYB)
Around 1.5 hours by car (60 miles) northeast of Kiawah Island is Summerville/Dorchester County Airport (DYB). Approximately 100 daily flights serve this small, public-use facility. DYB houses more than 50 aircraft onsite, including seven multi-engine planes and two helicopters.
Summerville/Dorchester County Airport
500 North Main St,
Summerville, SC 29483
(803) 563-0103
Lowcountry Regional Airport (RBW)
Another small airport near Kiawah Island, South Carolina, located less than two hours away by car (60 miles), is Lowcountry Regional Airport (RBW). This small public-use facility has recently lengthened one of its runways to 6,000 feet and utilizes a newly installed, precision-control landing system. More than 75 daily flights serve RBW.
Lowcountry Regional Airport
537 Aviation Way
Walterboro, SC 29488
(843) 549-2549
walterboroairport.com
Other Kiawah Island Airport Options
Charleston International Airport should suit the needs of most travelers looking for a relatively good-sized hub from which to access Kiawah Island, South Carolina. But if a lengthier commute isn't too bothersome, you might want to consider the other airports in the region. Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE), Hilton Head Island Airport (HHH), Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) and Savannah/Hilton Head Airport (SAV) are all located approximately 2.5 to 3 hours away by car (125 miles), yet they might provide travelers with greater carrier and destination flexibility than smaller airports near Kiawah Island, South Carolina.
Columbia Metropolitan Airport
3000 Aviation Way
West Columbia, SC 29170
(803) 822-5000
.columbiaairport.com
Hilton Head Island Airport
120 Beach City Rd.
Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
(843) 689-5400
bcgov.net/Airport_HHI
Myrtle Beach International Airport
1100 Jetport Rd.
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
(843) 448-1589
myrtlebeachairport.com
Savannah Airport Commission
400 Airways Ave.
Savannah GA 31408
(912) 964-0514
savannahairport.com
