If you’ve heard someone mention “Lake Kiwi” in South Carolina, they’re almost certainly talking about Lake Keowee. The two names sound remarkably similar when spoken aloud, which makes “Lake Kiwi” a common misspelling and search term. But when it comes to the beautiful Upstate South Carolina lake, Lake Keowee is the correct name.
Why Is It Called Lake Keowee?
The name Keowee has much deeper roots than the lake itself. It comes from the historic Cherokee presence in the region and the former Cherokee settlement known as Keowee Town. The name is commonly translated as “place of the mulberries.”
The Keowee name was also used for the Keowee River, which today feeds Lake Keowee. The modern reservoir was created as part of the Keowee-Toxaway development and has since become one of Upstate South Carolina’s most recognizable lakes.
So, Is There a Lake Kiwi in South Carolina?
Not in this context. “Lake Kiwi” is simply a phonetic misspelling of Lake Keowee. Keowee is commonly pronounced roughly like “KEY-wee,” so it’s easy to understand why someone unfamiliar with the area might hear the name and type “Lake Kiwi” into Google. The misspelling has become common enough that other regional real estate resources specifically address the confusion.
Whether you searched for Lake Kiwi homes, Lake Kiwi real estate, Lake Kiwi communities, or Lake Kiwi custom home builders, the place you’re looking for is almost certainly Lake Keowee, South Carolina.
Discover Lake Keowee
Whatever spelling brought you here, Lake Keowee is known for its clear water, wooded shoreline, Blue Ridge Mountain surroundings, and exceptional residential communities. For homeowners considering building in the area, communities around Lake Keowee offer everything from private lakefront homesites to golf, boating, outdoor recreation, and luxury amenities.
At Hillcrest Homes, we specialize in designing and building custom homes throughout the Lake Keowee area. Explore our website to learn more about living on Lake Keowee, choosing a community, finding the right homesite, and building a custom home designed around the way you want to live.