Hilton Head Island Airport, Hilton Head Island, SC

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Hilton Head Island Airport (FAA: HXD, ICAO: KHXD, IATA: HHH) is a towered public field located 3 miles east of the town of Hilton Head, in Beaufort County, South Carolina. There is one runway as follows:

Signature Flight Support is the full-service FBO on the field. They offer full and self-service 100LL and Jet-A, ramp or tiedown parking, some hangar space available, GPUs, Oxygen, water, and lav service. Amenities include a pilot lounge/snooze room, showers, a refreshment commissary, computerized weather and internet access, a big screen TV, and a public phone.

An unusual feature of the FBO at Hilton Head Island Airport: there’s an on-site putting green.

Transportation

There are no courtesy or crew cars listed at the FBO. However, there are numerous rental car counters near the baggage claim, or you can arrange a rental through the FBO. The current list includes: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Hertz, National, and Thrifty. If you’re not a dedicated one-rental-company kind of person, Carla Car Rental can help you find the best deal.

Local taxis are staged at the taxi stand located to the right of the terminal exit. You can order a taxi or Limo service through Ferguson Transportation, Apple Transportation, or Native Islander’s Transportation LLC.

Shuttle services are offered by GO Airport Shuttle, Diamond Transportation, Bee-Line, and Ferguson Transportation.

There could be some delays with transportation if you land after dark. The airport suggests pre-arranging rides before landing if you plan to arrive late. Uber and Lyft both operate here.

Where To Stay

Prices and names change frequently. For current prices, amenities, and new owner re-brands, check Expedia.com or Hotels.com. However, here are the nearest places to stay as of Dec. 2025. The VRBO.com choices here can be pretty spectacular.

Hampton Inn Hilton Head, modern rooms, business and fitness center, and free hot breakfast. Westin Hilton Head Island Resort and Spa offers direct beach access, resort-style grounds, a full-service spa, rooms with ocean views, and three outdoor pools. Marriott’s Surfwatch has a private beach area, two hot tubs, two pools, and on-site dining. The Hilton Garden Inn Hilton Head has rooms with a mini-fridge and a microwave, a fitness and business center, with an on-site breakfast and dinner restaurant. Marriott’s Barony Beach Club offers a private beach, indoor and outdoor saltwater pools, 4 on-site hot tubs, and on-site dining. Close to Port Royal Barony Golf Course.

Where To Eat And Drink

There are snacks and grab-and-go items in the terminal, but no restaurant. The closest places to eat are as follows:

Hudson’s Seafood House On The Docks
A Hilton Head classic with dockside seating, dayboat‑fresh seafood, and waterfront views
The Sandbar
A lively spot offering Southern and Caribbean comfort food with a spacious patio.
Skull Creek Boathouse
A busy waterfront restaurant serving seafood and Southern staples, featuring a large outdoor bar.
Skull Creek Dockside
A relaxed waterfront venue offering local seafood, burgers, flatbreads, cocktails, and Sunday brunch.
Frankie Bones
Upscale‑casual American dining inspired by 1960s Rat Pack style, martinis, and classic American dishes.
Old Oyster Factory
A rustic‑chic seafood restaurant with scenic marsh views and waterside seating. A great place for oysters and Lowcountry cuisine.
The Crazy Crab Jarvis Creek
A nautical‑themed seafood restaurant, known for crab legs, Lowcountry boils, and outdoor seating.
Benny’s Coastal Kitchen
A polished seafood restaurant offering elevated coastal dishes, cocktails, and views of the water.

Things To Do

This island is celebrated for plentiful beaches, natural beauty, golfing, and expensive real estate, but it wasn’t always this way.

A bit of history, it seems wrong not to mention: The Gullah people are Hilton Head’s original island communities, known for their West African–rooted language, food, and traditions. Rapid resort development in the 1960s and ’70s squeezed Gullah neighborhoods and made land ownership difficult to maintain, but their culture still shapes the island through art, storytelling, and historic sites. Today, preservation efforts are helping protect Gullah land and heritage, keeping their presence an essential part of Hilton Head’s identity. I say that to say this: if you visit in February, they have a month-long, island-wide celebration and cultural festival. During that month, there are art exhibitions, gospel concerts, historic tours, and food events.

If you go any other time of year, here are some of the most popular activities.

Golf, Hilton Head is a top-tier golf destination, home to courses like Harbor Town Golf Links and Palmetto Dunes.

Sunset watching and photo oping at Harbor Town Lighthouse & Marina. A classic island landmark with shops and dining. Other sightseeing activities include visiting Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina for shopping and dining. Summer brings fireworks and water activities, including boat rentals and fishing charters.

Bike the Island; there are over 60 miles of trails on Hilton Head. Some say over 100, but as I would never make it through the first 60, I’m not going any further down that path.

Nature lovers can visit and explore Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge or take the Daufuski Island Ferry to see local history, art studios, and beaches. A nice way to spend the day is a Hilton Head boat tour to watch the dolphins. Kayaking tours and paddleboarding are widely available, along with sunset cruises and eco-tours from many marinas. You can even sail on an America’s Cup 12-meter yacht.

For kids, the Sandbox Children’s Museum is a hands-on, family-friendly place, and the Kazoo Museum is a colorful experience. However, the icing on this cake is a real pirate adventure on the Black Dagger, costumes and all.

Why Fly Here

Hilton Head Island Airport, where everything is close, easy, and instantly relaxing. Beaches, bike paths, and waterfront dining are just minutes from the ramp, giving you a seamless transition from touchdown to vacation mode. The HDX landscape will surround you with tidal creeks, protected marshes, calm waterways, and endless outdoor space, making nature a part of everything. And when the day winds down, Hilton Head’s marinas offer sunset cruises, fresh seafood, and a waterfront atmosphere that’s a reward all its own. Oh yeah, and they have a pirate ship!

Safe travels,

jo@jettreks

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