Hunting Island Lighthouse Under Repair

The historic Hunting Island lighthouse, a beloved landmark at Hunting Island State Park, is currently closed for repairs. This iconic structure has been a beacon of history and beauty for visitors from all over the world, as illustrated by these historic photos from the mid-20th century shared by the state park Historian, Al Hester.

The lighthouse, known for its distinctive black-and-white stripes and towering height of 136 feet, has a rich history. Originally constructed in 1859, it was rebuilt in 1875 after being destroyed during the Civil War. A unique feature of the lighthouse is its construction from interchangeable cast-iron sections, allowing it to be dismantled and moved if necessary. This design proved crucial when severe beach erosion forced the lighthouse to be relocated 1.3 miles inland in 1889.

The current repairs are part of a planned $3 million renovation project aimed at preserving the lighthouse for future generations. The restoration work includes repairs to the lantern room, windows, decks, and rails. A key component of the project is the installation of new, large braces, designed in a style consistent with the historic cast iron, to support the stairs. The timeline for these repairs is expected to extend through late 2025.

Photos of the repairs and the extensive scaffolding surrounding the lighthouse were taken by our own Tyler Blakewood, Master Craftsman for the Construction and Maintenance division, led by Matthew Malovic. Matt recently took his team on a field trip to see the progress of repairs.

“Visiting the Hunting Island Lighthouse during its renovation and repair was truly a once-in-a-career experience. Given the nature of the work Central Maintenance and Construction performs daily for PRT, our team was especially excited and proud to witness firsthand the craftsmanship, planning, and scale involved a project of this magnitude.”

-Matthew Malovic, Construction & Maintenance Manager

While the lighthouse itself is closed, visitors can still view it from the grounds and learn about its history from knowledgeable volunteers. The park remains a popular destination, offering five miles of pristine beaches, a saltwater lagoon, and thousands of acres of marsh and maritime forest.

Hunting Island State Park is South Carolina's most visited state park, attracting over a million visitors each year. Despite the temporary closure of the lighthouse, the park continues to offer a wealth of natural beauty and recreational opportunities for all to enjoy.

We encourage all visitors to explore the park and learn more about the fascinating history of the Hunting Island Lighthouse.

For those interested in a deeper dive into its story, consider purchasing the book Up Here, available at the South Carolina State Park Store, or join us for the Lighthouse Keepers Talk program to learn more about the history of the lighthouse and its stewards.

--Kenneth Reed, Retail Sales Manager

May 2025