The more Mark Zuckerberg, the world’s third-richest man, tries to belong in Hawaii, the more the islands seem to push back. His connection to Hawaii began in 2014, when the Meta co-founder began acquiring land on the island of Kauai. Today, his holdings exceed 1,400 acres and are known collectively as Koʻolau Ranch, a secluded sanctuary that seems tailor-made for someone with a fleet of jaw-dropping superyachts. But a new hurdle could dock his luxurious plans, at least in part of the island paradise he calls home.
To preserve the world-renowned natural beauty of Hanalei Bay, cherished not just by Kauai residents but all of Hawaii, Senate Bill 1511 has been introduced at the state’s capitol to prohibit vessels longer than 75 feet from entering the bay. The move isn’t just about aesthetics; the bay is sacred to locals, a place where generations have fished, surfed, paddled outrigger canoes, and gathered with family. The only exemptions would be vessels operated by federal, state, or county agencies.
Zuckerberg, worth an estimated $204 billion, owns multiple superyachts and a mammoth estate on the island. Though it hasn’t been confirmed if his 387-foot Launchpad ever sailed into Hanalei Bay, the $300 million Feadship-built stunner, purchased in February 2024, is more than five times the proposed limit. Even his $100 million U-81 is well over the threshold at nearly three times the permitted size. The smallest of the fleet, support vessel Wingman, is no small fry either at 220 feet, almost triple the limit.
This bill comes in response to an uptick in large yachts and other vessels mooring in Hawaii’s largest bays. Zuckerberg isn’t alone; billionaire Larry Ellison, who owns 98% of Lāna‘i, also owns the 288-foot superyacht Musashi. Last year, the 194-foot Shinkai superyacht, complete with a personal submarine and Toyota Land Cruiser, loomed over Hanalei Bay for days, a presence many locals considered disruptive.
Senate President Ron Kouchi, who represents Kauai and Niʻihau, introduced the bill to prioritize the safety and enjoyment of residents and visitors alike. According to Spectrum News1, House Speaker Nadine Nakamura shared, “Hanalei Bay is a treasure, and this bill is a critical step in preserving the natural beauty of this scenic bay, while protecting residents’ access to fishing, swimming, surfing, and traditional water activities.” If passed, the state’s Department of Land and Natural Resources will define the bay’s boundaries and enforce the new law.
Mark Zuckerberg has a strong Hawaii connection
Zuckerberg has already spent at least $145 million acquiring a sprawling 1,450-acre estate on Kauai, nearly double the size of New York’s Central Park. Called Koʻolau Ranch, it’s currently undergoing a $270 million transformation to include multiple mansions, a village, a 16-car garage, a wellness center, and even a 5,000-square-foot underground bunker. His $23 million security operation will be headquartered on-site.
He frequently flies in from California to oversee construction and has reportedly sent his ships as far as Tahiti for sun-drenched surfing getaways. Beyond luxury, Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla Chan, plan to use parts of the land for agriculture, conservation, and ranching , they’re even raising Wagyu and Angus cattle.
But the billionaire’s efforts to blend into Hawaiian life haven’t gone without criticism. Back in 2014, locals protested after his wall blocked public access to Pilaʻa Beach. Many have accused the couple of attempting to “colonize” the island. With this new bill, his fleet may again come under scrutiny, or perhaps not, as Hawaii has no shortage of other bays and waters to cruise.
Still, Hanalei Bay is one of the most iconic and beloved surf spots in all of Kauai. And for a tech magnate known for chasing the next wave, literally and figuratively, it may be tough to resist, unless the law forces him to.
