Kiawah Island Named One of the Best Islands in America

Every year, Condé Nast Traveler readers vote on their favorite islands in the United States. For 2026, Kiawah Island earned the No. 2 spot, ahead of Maui, Oahu, and Nantucket. For those of us who live and work here, the news is no surprise.

Kiawah Island pairs 10 miles of quiet beach with championship golf, protected marshland, and miles of shaded bike paths. Downtown Charleston sits about 21 miles away. At Akers Ellis, Kiawah Island is our home and our specialty. Here is why it keeps landing on national lists and how to plan your own stay.

Condé Nast Traveler's Best Islands in America for 2026

The 2026 Readers' Choice Awards placed two South Carolina islands at the top of the list. The top 10 best islands in the US were:

1. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

2. Kiawah Island, South Carolina

3. Maui, Hawaii

4. Oahu, Hawaii

5. Nantucket, Massachusetts

6. Lanai, Hawaii

7. Sanibel Island, Florida

8. South Padre Island, Texas

9. Amelia Island, Florida

10. Big Island, Hawaii

Kiawah has a long history with this poll. Condé Nast Traveler readers have named it the No. 1 island in North America in past years, and it returns to the top of the rankings year after year.

Why Kiawah Island Ranks Among the Best Islands in the US

Ten Miles of Uncrowded Beach

Kiawah's beach stretches about 10 miles and faces both sunrise and sunset. Wide, firm sand at low tide makes it ideal for long walks, shelling, and bike rides right along the water. Visitors without a private rental can use Beachwalker Park on the island's southwest tip, a public beach with seasonal paid parking.

Championship Golf on the Ocean Course

Golfers know Kiawah for the Ocean Course, host of the 1991 Ryder Cup and the PGA Championship in 2012 and 2021. Golf Digest once called it America's toughest course, and it offers about 2.5 miles of Atlantic views. Kiawah Island runs four more courses across the island, so every skill level has a round to play.

Wildlife, Marsh, and Maritime Forest

Much of Kiawah remains wild. Bottlenose dolphins feed in the inlets, loggerhead sea turtles nest on the beach in summer, and egrets and herons work the salt marsh. Book a kayak or canoe trip on the Kiawah River to see it up close.

Thirty Miles of Bike Paths

About 30 miles of paved paths wind through the island's neighborhoods, lagoons, and live oaks. Most rental homes are a short ride from the beach, so many guests park the car for the week and get around on two wheels.

Close to Charleston, Worlds Away

Kiawah feels secluded, yet Charleston is an easy day trip. Spend time downtown on King Street or touring historic homes, then be back on the island for sunset. Freshfields Village, at the island's entrance, adds more than 30 shops, local restaurants, and monthly events.

How Kiawah Compares to Other Top US Islands

Hilton Head, the No. 1 island this year, offers a bigger town with more traffic and crowds. Maui and the Hawaiian Islands require a long flight for most East Coast travelers. Kiawah sits in the middle: a quieter, gated island with resort amenities, reachable by car from much of the Southeast. For families and golf groups who want space and calm, that balance is hard to beat.

Where to Stay: Kiawah Island Vacation Rentals with Akers Ellis

Why a Vacation Rental Beats a Hotel Room

A private home or villa gives your group separate bedrooms, a full kitchen, and room to spread out after a day on the beach. Many rentals include bike and beach gear credits, so you spend less and do more.

Local Experts Who Know Every Corner of the Island

Akers Ellis focuses on Kiawah Island. Our team can match you with an oceanfront home, a villa near the Ocean Course, or a quiet spot by the marsh. We know which homes suit big family reunions, golf weekends, solo escapes, or couples' getaways. 

Best Time to Visit Kiawah Island

Spring and fall bring warm days, lighter crowds, and prime golf weather. Summer is peak beach season, when families fill the island and turtle nests dot the dunes. Winter is mild and quiet, a great value for longer stays and relaxed rounds of golf.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kiawah Island

Where does Kiawah Island rank among the best islands in America?

Kiawah Island ranked No. 2 in Condé Nast Traveler's 2026 Readers' Choice Awards for best islands in the US, behind Hilton Head Island.

Is Kiawah Island beach open to the public?

Kiawah is a private, gated island, and everything past the main security gate is limited to property owners, resort guests, and registered vacation rental guests. The public's only access is Beachwalker Park, which sits outside the gate on the island's southwest tip. Staying in a Kiawah vacation rental gives you a gate pass and access to miles of beach most visitors never see.

How far is Kiawah Island from Charleston?

Kiawah Island is about 21 miles from downtown Charleston, an easy drive for a day of dining and sightseeing.

What is Kiawah Island known for?

Kiawah is known for its 10 miles of beach, the Ocean Course, about 30 miles of bike paths, and protected wildlife habitat.

Book Your Stay on One of the Best Islands in America

The readers have spoken, and Kiawah Island stands among the very best. Let Akers Ellis Rentals help you find the right home for your trip. Contact our Kiawah team or search available rentals today.