In a surprising move that has set tongues wagging, Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg is said to be in the process of constructing a sprawling $100 million compound in Hawaii. Dubbed Koolau Ranch, the project has gained attention for its opulence, featuring an underground bunker and self-sustaining resources. The veil of secrecy surrounding the development has led to speculations about Zuckerberg’s motives, with some suggesting he may be preparing for a doomsday scenario.
According to Wired’s investigation, Koolau Ranch on Kauai Island is already partially built, making it one of the most expensive personal construction projects in recent history. The property boasts over a dozen buildings, including two central mansions connected by a tunnel leading to a 5,000-square-foot underground shelter with an escape hatch accessible via a ladder.
The compound’s extravagant design includes at least 30 bedrooms and 30 bathrooms, along with guest houses and a cluster of 11 interconnected “disk-shaped” treehouses suspended by rope bridges. The underground bunker is equipped with living quarters and a mechanical room, featuring a “blast-resistant” concrete and steel door.
Security measures abound, with keypad-locked doors, soundproofing, a discreet library door, and an extensive network of surveillance cameras. Zuckerberg has also encircled the property with a 6-foot wall, and all contracted workers are required to sign non-disclosure agreements regarding their involvement with the project.
Koolau Ranch is designed for self-sufficiency, boasting a 55-foot diameter, 18-foot tall water tank, and on-site pump system. The 1,400-acre property already supports ranching and agriculture, providing additional food sources. The compound’s secretive nature, coupled with its doomsday-ready features, has led to widespread speculation about Zuckerberg’s motivations.
In a broader context, Zuckerberg’s reported preparations align with a growing trend among the ultra-wealthy in the United States. Concerns about potential catastrophic events, often referred to as “The Event,” have driven other billionaires to construct similar underground bunkers to escape environmental collapse, social unrest, nuclear explosions, solar storms, viruses, or computer hacks.
This trend echoes sentiments expressed by figures like Bill Gates, who has warned of pandemics more severe than COVID-19, advocating for substantial global outbreak preparedness funding. Zuckerberg’s actions, along with those of other wealthy individuals, underscore a growing sense of apprehension about the future and a desire to secure themselves against potential existential threats. Whether driven by genuine concern or a more speculative mindset, Koolau Ranch remains a testament to the lengths some are willing to go to ensure their safety in an uncertain world.
