Mark Zuckerberg is taking over Hawaii: This is the huge complex he’s building and what the reasons behind it might be
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has been hoovering up large tracks of land on the Hawaiian island of Kauai and building a massive compound there.
Mark Zuckerberg, the 41-year-old CEO of Meta and one of the wealthiest men on the planet, is quietly reshaping a corner of Hawaii. With an estimated net worth topping $125 billion, according to Forbes, Zuckerberg already controls Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. Now, he’s turning his attention to the island of Kauai — and what he’s building there is raising eyebrows.
Reports confirm that Zuckerberg is constructing an expansive compound that includes a fortified underground bunker. The project, cloaked in secrecy, has fueled speculation among locals, many of whom feel that the tech mogul is effectively “taking over” the island.
What Zuckerberg is building on Kauai
The site reportedly includes 12 separate structures, among them two massive mansions featuring more than 30 bedrooms and bathrooms, as well as office spaces and conference rooms. Connecting these buildings are underground tunnels, one of which leads to a 5,000-square-foot shelter reinforced with concrete and steel.
Luxury, of course, is part of the plan. The compound will also feature swimming pools, gyms, jacuzzis, saunas, and even sports courts — amenities befitting one of the world’s richest men.
Why the secrecy?
To keep details under wraps, Zuckerberg’s team has required workers to sign strict non-disclosure agreements. Still, some information has surfaced thanks to an investigation by Wired.
One Kauai County Council member told the magazine that Zuckerberg has donated nearly $20 million to local organizations — a move critics suggest is designed to ease resistance to his ambitious project.
Why locals are uneasy
Kauai, with a population of just 73,000, is known for its natural beauty and tight-knit communities. Residents worry that Zuckerberg’s massive development could alter the island’s culture and landscape. Some see the billionaire’s project as a show of unchecked power, a private fortress built in paradise while locals struggle with rising housing costs and limited resources.
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