Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg is building a stunning £212 million compound on the picturesque Hawaiian island of Kauai. The property, which boasts blast-proof doors, a massive underground bunker, and fortress-like security measures, is only ten miles away from the residence of former 007 Pierce Brosnan. The social media tycoon intends to convert the 1,400-acre site of the stunning coastline into a family home that can “sit out the apocalypse.”
The compound’s location on the north coast of Kauai, widely known as the “Garden Isle,” is spectacular, with its lush tropical rainforest covering most of the island. However, Kauai’s highlight is its jaw-dropping Na Pali Coast, located in the north, where towering cliffs plummet into a serene, azure sea. This location has been the backdrop of many popular films, including South Pacific, Jurassic Park, and Pirates Of The Caribbean.
Even though Kauai is the oldest, least developed, and most westerly of Hawaii’s main islands, the Zuckerberg family’s decision to acquire this nature preserve and convert it into a residential compound has been regarded with skepticism and stirred up a lot of tension. The islanders were hoping to retain the area’s pristine environment for future generations. Besides, Kauai’s central role in the Oscar-winning 2011 George Clooney drama, The Descendants, about a Hawaiian family that is at odds over selling a large section of pristine Kauaian land for luxury development, has been an uncanny harbinger of the Zuckerbergs’ less than popular arrival.
The Hawaiian government permitted the wealthy Zuckerberg family to purchase the land, provided they respect the local atmosphere, and ensure natural and cultural education. When asked about the reasons for choosing Kauai, Mark Zuckerberg stated that he wanted some privacy and seclusion for his family. Kauai provides an idyllic haven where the family can get away from the hectic Silicon Valley lifestyle and enjoy the island’s natural beauty.
Despite the negativity surrounding their arrival, the Zuckerberg family is excited about their Hawaiian venture. They have finalized their plans for the new family home, which, upon completion, will offer them the privacy and isolation they desire. Although the expense of the project is staggering, given that the property sits in an area regarded as the epitome of natural beauty, the Zuckerberg family seems to be confident that the investment is worth it.
In all, the billionaire’s new Hawaiian abode could be a poster child for eco-friendly living while still retaining the luxurious amenities that one would expect from a billionaire’s hideaway. However, the contrast between the technological advances of Silicon Valley and the isolated open spaces of Kauai couldn’t be more striking. Only time will tell if the Zuckerberg family will be able to blend in with the locals and continue on this innovative path.
