Kiawah Island has a rich history that dates to 1670, so it's no surprise that families who make the South Carolina barrier island their second home tend to think in generations and not just years. The amenities, of which there are plenty, lend themselves to a relaxed pace of lifestyle that is in keeping with the Lowcountry. Kiawah Island, located less than an hour south of Charleston, S.C., boasts 10,000 acres and 10 miles of beach.