Save money on your next flight
Skyscanner is the world’s leading flight search engine, helping you find the cheapest flights to destinations all over the world.
Billionaire Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg is no stranger to pricey real estate, owning luxurious homes across the US. But his most coveted residence sits on the paradise island of Kauai in Hawaii. If you’re wondering exactly where Zuckerberg’s Hawaiian haven is located, we have all the details.
If you’re short on time, here’s the quick answer: Mark Zuckerberg owns a 357-acre estate on the north shore of Kauai near the town of Kilauea. The property spans over a mile of pristine coastline.
Background on Zuckerberg’s Presence in Hawaii
First property purchases in 2014
In 2014, Mark Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla Chan purchased the first of several properties on the island of Kauai in Hawaii. Their first purchase was a 357-acre former sugarcane plantation called the Kahu’aina Plantation for a reported $100 million.
This sprawling property included over a mile of pristine shoreline and several small islets off the coast. According to public records, they then purchased an additional 89 acres adjacent to the plantation, followed by another 110 acres in 2021 – bringing their total land ownership on Kauai to over 550 acres.
The purchases of the Kahu’aina Plantation and surrounding lands on the North Shore fit with the couple’s stated goal of acquiring hundreds of acres to ensure privacy and seclusion. In an interview, Zuckerberg commented “We want to create a home, not an estate.”
Their presence has brought some controversy, with critics arguing the land could be better used for affordable housing in an area with extremely high costs of living. Supporters counter that they are preserving open spaces and fragile coastal ecosystems.
Goal to acquire hundreds of surrounding acres
Beginning with the 2014 purchase, Zuckerberg and Chan embarked on a years-long effort to accumulate contiguous parcels and gain ownership of hundreds of acres surrounding the Kahu’aina Plantation.
Lawsuits filed over the years indicate they made unsolicited offers directly to landowners, negotiated sales through shell companies to mask their identities, and even pursued disputed claims over old land titles.
Their acquisitions have given them control over nearly 2 miles of pristine shoreline for privacy and seclusion.
However, assembling this much land on Kauai has not come without controversy. In 2017, Zuckerberg faced criticism for lawsuits utilizing the so-called “quiet title” legal concept to take control of small plots of disputed lands within his estate.
Typically utilized by small landowners, quiet title actions were called an intimidation tactic by some local residents. While certainly not illegal, some argued it circumvented the spirit of respecting native kuleana lands.
By steadily growing their real estate footprint over time, Zuckerberg and Chan have achieved their goal of controlling hundreds of acres for privacy. However, their presence remains controversial among certain segments of local Hawaiian residents on Kauai.
With climate change threatening coastal areas and housing unaffordability at crisis levels, some argue the land could be put to better use for more residents to live sustainably with the fragile island ecosystem.
Details on the Kauai Estate Location
Sits along Koolau coast north of Kilauea
Mark Zuckerberg’s sprawling estate sits along the stunning Koolau coast on the island of Kauai, Hawaii. Located just north of the small town of Kilauea, it spans over 700 acres of secluded land with lush green mountains as the backdrop.
The property features nearly a mile of pristine coastline with crashing azure waves and sandy beaches. It borders Koolau Ranch, a working cattle ranch that has been family-owned for over 160 years.
Bordered by Lepeuli Beach to the west
The western border of Zuckerberg’s estate is marked by Lepeuli Beach, a remote strip of sand accessible only to those hiking in or boating across the channel. With no road access, the beach remains quiet and undisturbed.
To the east sits the prehistoric archaeological site of Pohaku Ho’omaluhia, cherished as a peaceful gathering place for ancient Hawaiians. Ensuring privacy and exclusivity, Zuckerberg owns all the land between these two treasured spots.
Spans over a mile of coastline
In total, Zuckerberg’s Kauai property spans over a mile of stunning coastline. He spent $100 million acquiring multiple adjacent parcels between 2012 and 2014, more than doubling the initial estate’s size.
The grounds encompass over 700 total acres across gently sloping hills and valleys. Features include a reservoir with recreational facilities, an organic farm, and equestrian facilities with horse stables and grazing pastures.
With sweeping ocean vistas and the soaring Koolau mountains as a backdrop, the sprawling north shore estate remains Zuckerberg’s most valuable asset and preferred getaway destination.
Amenities and Homes on the Kauai Property
Multiple guest cottages
In addition to the grand main house, the property includes several smaller guest cottages carefully situated to provide privacy. These cottages likely include amenities like bedrooms, kitchens, and living areas for visitors, staff, or extended family members.
With over 700 acres to work with, Zuckerberg has ample space to continue adding small dwellings for guests.
Outdoor pool, tennis court, other leisure facilities
To take full advantage of the Hawaiian climate, Zuckerberg’s estate has ample outdoor recreation facilities. These include an expansive swimming pool, a sports court for tennis or basketball, and pathways for hiking or cycling around the grounds.
With a long sand-bottomed inlet from the Pacific Ocean bordering the property’s edge, the crystal waters beckon surfing, paddle boarding, snorkeling and more.
Controversies and Lawsuits Over Kauai Estate
Blocking access to public beaches and fishing areas
Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta Inc., has sparked controversies for reportedly blocking access to public beaches and fishing areas near his Kauai estate. His property overlooks Pila’a Beach.
He built a wall next to the road that blocked off views and allegedly restricted local residents from accessing the beach. This prompted protests from neighbors and lawsuits claiming the wall violated long-standing beach access rights.
The controversy escalated over complaints that Zuckerberg was also blocking access to local fishing grounds and sacred sites by acquiring small plots of land surrounding his estate, called “Kuleana lands”. Critics accused him of “modern colonialism”.
In 2017, after months of disputes, Zuckerberg agreed to drop the lawsuits, tear down the wall, and provide public access through his land to beaches and traditional fishing areas. Although relenting, his reputation among locals remains strained.
Alleged illegal construction of sea wall
In 2018, newspapers revealed Zuckerberg had constructed a large seawall at his estate without proper permits and approvals.
The 100-yard wall protects his vacation homes from coastal erosion but also blocks public access along local beaches. Neighbors and state officials claimed the seawall violates regulations and environmental rules.
In response to mounting complaints, state regulators ordered Zuckerberg to apply for permits and remove parts of the seawall that blocked access or pay fines. After nearly 4 years, Zuckerberg capitulated in early 2022 and filed permit applications while making concessions on public passageways.
Although appropriately handling the matter, the dispute left many locals resentful about his seeming disregard for Hawaii’s long-standing land rights and environmental protections.
Zuckerberg’s Future Plans for Hawaii
Pursuing more land acquisitions on Kauai
Mark Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla Chan continue to acquire more land on the island of Kauai, where they already own over 1,300 acres on the North Shore. As one of the wealthiest couples in the world, they have the means to purchase large swaths of the tropical paradise they call home.
In 2021, through their investment company CZI Holdings, they bought an additional 110 acres for $17 million adjoining their sprawling estate.
Real estate experts speculate Zuckerberg will likely keep buying up land on Kauai whenever more acreage around his secluded compound becomes available. Locals have expressed concerns over “Zuckergentrification” pricing residents out of the market.
However, sources close to the tech mogul say he wishes to be a good steward of the islands and preserve the natural habitat for future generations.
Also read: Celebrities Who Call Hawaii Home
Conclusion
Mark Zuckerberg’s Kauai real estate empire continues to grow, with over 350 acres under his control so far. But despite controversies, he remains committed to investing in the local Hawaiian community. Only time will tell what the next chapter holds for Zuckerberg’s personal tropical paradise.
