Mark Zuckerberg denies building a massive “Doomsday bunker” in Hawaii, calling it a “little shelter” instead.
Zuckerberg’s Hawaiian Estate: More Than Meets the Eye
Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta and the world’s third-wealthiest person with a net worth of $215 billion, has found himself at the center of controversy regarding his expansive Hawaiian estate. The 1,400-acre property on the island of Kauai, known as Koolau Ranch, has drawn attention for its ambitious scope and alleged underground bunker.
Mark Zuckerberg says he doesn't have a Hawaiian doomsday bunker, just a 'little shelter.' It's bigger than most houses. https://t.co/wbRq4x08gn
— Business Insider (@BusinessInsider) December 26, 2024
Recent reports suggest that Zuckerberg’s compound includes a 5,000-square-foot underground shelter, over a dozen buildings, and at least 30 bedrooms and bathrooms. The underground facility, reportedly the size of an NBA basketball court, features a blast-resistant door and includes a living space, mechanical room, and escape hatch.
Mark Zuckerberg is reportedly building a Hawaii compound with plans for an escape hatch, 'blind doors,' and an underground bunker https://t.co/PjUjJ4JQA5
— Business Insider (@BusinessInsider) December 15, 2023
Zuckerberg Denies “Doomsday Bunker” Claims
In response to growing speculation, Zuckerberg has denied claims that he is constructing a massive “Doomsday bunker” beneath his Hawaiian estate. Instead, he described the underground facility as a “little shelter” or “basement.”
“No, I think that’s just like a little shelter. It’s like a basement.” – Mark Zuckerberg.
Zuckerberg further emphasized that the entire project has been misrepresented, stating, “I think the whole thing got blown out of proportion, as if the whole ranch was some kind of, like, doomsday bunker.” He firmly asserted, “It’s not true.”
A Self-Sufficient Paradise or Cause for Concern?
The Koolau Ranch project focuses on self-sufficiency, with plans for agriculture and energy initiatives. The property will reportedly have energy and food supplies, including a water tank and pump system. Zuckerberg has emphasized his agricultural ambitions, particularly raising high-quality cattle fed on beer and macadamia nuts.
The estate’s elaborate design includes two mansions with a combined floor area of 57,000 square feet, connected by a tunnel. Other features include 11 treehouses, guest houses, a gym, pools, a sauna, and a tennis court. Buildings on the property are connected by rope bridges, adding to its unique layout.
Local Tensions and Security Measures
Zuckerberg’s expansion in Hawaii has not been without controversy. The Meta CEO and his wife, Priscilla Chan, have purchased land on Kauai in multiple transactions totaling over $170 million. This rapid acquisition has led to tensions with local communities, resulting in a petition against Zuckerberg’s presence on the island.
Local journalist Allan Parachini has been critical of Zuckerberg’s development, particularly the construction of a rock wall on his oceanfront property. Parachini stated, “Tell Zuckerberg that abusing his stewardship of public beaches as if we are just another batch of Facebook victims is unacceptable.” This criticism has reportedly led to a lack of cooperation from Zuckerberg’s team for future interviews.
Security is a significant aspect of the property, with reports of 20 security cameras and keypad-operated or soundproofed doors. The estate’s secrecy has led some to describe it as a “fight club,” with staffers reportedly bound by non-disclosure agreements.
Community Outreach Efforts
In an attempt to address local concerns, the Chan Zuckerberg Kauai Community Fund has donated over $20 million to Kauai nonprofits since 2018. This outreach effort aims to mitigate the discontent surrounding the massive development and its impact on the local community.
As Zuckerberg continues to develop his Hawaiian paradise, the project remains a subject of fascination and controversy. While he maintains that the underground facility is merely a “little shelter,” the scale and secrecy of the overall development continue to fuel speculation about its true purpose and impact on the island of Kauai.
