Beach Condition

Kiawah Island's 10 mile long beach is one the island's major attractions. Like all beaches, Kiawah's beach undergoes periods of erosion (loss of sand) and accretion (gain of sand). The Town of Kiawah monitors the island's beach for changes and conducts management activities as needed.

Current Conditions
Updated November 14, 2007

During fall and spring months, Kiawah Island is subjected to a series of higher than normal tides during the days surrounding the full moon each month.  If these tides coincide with a storm or a period of high winds, the tides can be even higher often causing shallow coastal flooding and minor beach erosion.  The east end of Kiawah’s beach did suffer some minor erosion during the last month but the beach overall looks very good.  The Town’s beach consultant recently completed a series of beach profile surveys as well as aerial photography of the eastern end of the island.  Preliminary analysis indicates that the renourished area has grown substantially in the last year.  A final report containing information from these surveys will be available in the coming months.

Archived Beach Updates and Information

• 2005 West Ocean Course Erosion Map
• 2005 East Ocean Course Erosion Map
• Beach Erosion Update 9-16-05
• Beach Erosion Update 7-18-05
• Dr. Kana's Proposal 6-9-05
• Beach Erosion Update 4-1-05
• Dune Breach Pictures 3-9-05
• Dune Breach Location Map 3-9-05
• Beach Erosion Update 2-1-05
• 2004 Map showing erosion rates on the eastern end of Kiawah Island.