The Billionaires Buying All of Hawaii
Written by
Sean Fisher, AI Editor
Edited by
Gary Dudak
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In recent years, Hawaii has become a hotspot for billionaires looking to invest in real estate. The allure of the islands’ natural beauty, coupled with privacy and exclusivity, has attracted some of the world’s wealthiest individuals. Here’s a look at some billionaires who have made significant investments in Hawaiian real estate:
Larry Ellison
Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison is perhaps the most notable billionaire with Hawaiian investments. In 2012, he purchased 98% of the island of Lanai for a reported $300 million. Since then, Ellison has invested in various development projects on the island, including luxury resorts and renewable energy initiatives.
Mark Zuckerberg
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has also shown a keen interest in Hawaii. He and his wife, Priscilla Chan, have spent over $100 million acquiring land on the island of Kauai. Their purchases include a 700-acre estate in Kilauea and additional land in the Pila’a Beach area.
Oprah Winfrey
Media mogul Oprah Winfrey owns several properties in Hawaii, including a 163-acre estate in Maui’s Upcountry region, which she purchased in 2002. She has since bought additional land in the area, expanding her estate and enhancing its privacy and security.
Jeff Bezos
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is another billionaire who has invested in Hawaii. While details of his purchases are more private, reports suggest that Bezos owns a secluded estate in Maui, adding to his extensive real estate portfolio.
Michael Dell
Dell Technologies founder Michael Dell owns the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, which he acquired in 2004. The luxury resort is part of his extensive real estate holdings and reflects his interest in premium hospitality properties.
Marc Benioff
Benioff is the CEO and co-founder of Salesforce, based in San Francisco, and is the most recent billionaire buying up property in Hawaii. Though he’s been living on a $25 million property on Waimea for about 20 years now, he’s been quietly buying up more of the island.
According to Salesforce, Marc and his wife Lynne have given 440 acres to HICDC for affordable housing — which represent most of their land purchases in Hawaii over the years. They have also donated additional properties for teachers and healthcare workers in the state.
Impact on Hawaii
The influx of billionaire investments in Hawaii has sparked mixed reactions among locals and observers. On one hand, these investments bring economic benefits, create jobs, and contribute to the development of high-end tourism and real estate sectors. On the other hand, there are concerns about the impact on housing affordability, cultural preservation, and the environment.
Conclusion
Hawaii’s natural beauty and exclusivity have made it a magnet for billionaire investors seeking luxury real estate. While their investments contribute to the local economy, they also raise important questions about sustainable development and community impact. As more billionaires set their sights on Hawaii, the balance between growth and preservation will remain a critical issue for the islands’ future.
Editor's note: This article was produced via automated technology and then fine-tuned and verified for accuracy by a member of GOBankingRates' editorial team.
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