Our Story
Kiawah Island Getaways is a boutique, family-run business proudly operating since 2001.
Kiawah Island Getaways is more than just a vacation rental company, it’s the story of our family’s journey to a place we truly love.
In 2001, we, Shawn and Jeanette Lawson, turned our passion for the island’s beauty and peaceful spirit into a boutique family business. What started as one small villa has grown into a carefully curated collection of homes, each handpicked, renovated, and personally prepared to make our guest’s stay seamless, comfortable, and memorable.
Behind the scenes, our family and team work together to ensure every detail feels personal – because we want our guests to fall in love with Kiawah just as we did.
Falling in Love with Kiawah
1978: The Discovery
Shawn’s parents first discovered Kiawah through a Travel + Leisure article. After their first visit, they were hooked – coming back year after year for family vacations in a little Greenslake villa for just $500 a week.
1985: Our First Visit
We were newly married, living in Jefferson City, Missouri, when we decided to drive our VW Bug convertible to Kiawah. The moment we arrived, we were captivated. The beach shimmered in the sunlight, and we both knew this island was where we wanted to build our lives.
Making Kiawah Home
1988: We Officially Moved To Kiawah
It was not until 1988 that our dreams came true and our U-Haul rattled across the Kiawah Island bridge (at that time it was a handsome wooden bridge, like the bridge-to-nowhere in Cassique).
We rented a 1-bedroom villa. Shawn was so thrilled to be living on the island that he purchased the personalized license plate “KIAWAH”. We still have it today.
1992: Built our Home and Started a Family
We began building our home on the island at 134 Conifer Lane. During the design phase, I gave birth to our first son Benjamin. He arrived 2 months early in an ambulance outside of the Kiawah Island Fire Station.
In 1994, Theodore, our 2nd son was born. Theodore had a more traditional birth on the 9th floor of the St. Francis Xavier Hospital, overlooking the Charleston rooftops on Calhoun Street.
1999: We Moved to Charleston
Shawn and I discovered that raising kids on Kiawah was not so easy and in 1999, we sold our home on Kiawah and moved to James Island (Charleston).
1992: Built our Home and Started a Family
We began building our home on the island at 134 Conifer Lane. During the design phase, I gave birth to our first son Benjamin. He arrived 2 months early in an ambulance outside of the Kiawah Island Fire Station.
In 1994, Theodore, our 2nd son was born. Theodore had a more traditional birth on the 9th floor of the St. Francis Xavier Hospital, overlooking the Charleston rooftops on Calhoun Street.
Fitness Center
24-hour gym with cardiovascular equipment and free weights. Opening Hours: 7:00 until 20:00
The Birth of Kiawah Island Getaways
2001: We Purchased Our First Rental
After two years of seriously missing Kiawah, we purchased our first villa, a 1-bedroom, beachside Seascape (3563) and Kiawah Island Getaways was born.
2002 - 2006: KIG Expands
Once we got our feet wet with the villa rental business, it was a like a fever for us, and every year for six years straight, we purchased a villa.
We personally renovated each villa that we bought. We really enjoyed furnishing, decorating and maintaining the villas – not to mention the newfound fun of meeting and talking to all sorts of people about Kiawah.
2006: We Start Managing Other Properties
Because we really enjoyed what we did, other Kiawah Property Owners asked us to manage their properties, so in 2006, we expanded our business to include Kiawah properties owned by others.
2007 - Present: The Rest is History!
Our whole family loves Kiawah and running Kiawah Island Getaways is a true family-run business. We personally prepare each villa prior to your arrival – because we want your stay to be perfect. We want you to fall in love with Kiawah too…and we know you will!!
Ready to Experience a Kiawah Island Getaway?
Wake up to the sound of the ocean or the quiet of a tropical forest – it’s your choice! Browse our homes and find the Kiawah experience that speaks to you.
