Mark Zuckerberg shrugs off reports about 5,000-sq-foot 'doomsday' bunker in Hawaii, says “it’s really not that big”

Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta , has clarified speculation about his Hawaii estate, dismissing claims that it features a massive doomsday bunker. Speaking to The Circuit’s Emily Chang, Zuckerberg described the underground structure as “just like a little shelter, a basement.” “Whatever you want to call it, hurricane shelter, whatever. I think it got like, blown out of proportion as if like the whole ranch was some kind of, like, doomsday bunker, which is just not true,” Zuckerberg said during the interview. The property, Koolau Ranch, spans approximately 1,400 acres and includes extensive agricultural and residential features. While the underground facility is reported to be 5,000 square feet, Zuckerberg insisted it was a practical refuge from extreme weather conditions rather than an apocalyptic retreat. Sustainable Ranching and Innovation Zuckerberg also highlighted the primary purpose of his Kauai estate: ranching. He and his team are working to create what he calls “the highest quality beef in the world” through a vertically integrated process. “We have this whole vertical integration plan where we’re growing macadamia nuts to feed the macadamia meal, and we’re brewing beer because that helps them eat more. That’s fun,” Zuckerberg explained. 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Key Features of the Property According to reports from Wired, Koolau Ranch is home to two main mansions with luxury amenities such as pools, saunas, tennis courts, and fitness facilities. The property also includes 11 treehouses connected by rope bridges, guest houses, and the controversial underground shelter. The 5,000-square-foot shelter, as detailed by Wired, is connected to the main residences via tunnels and features living spaces, mechanical equipment rooms, and an escape hatch. Its door resembles those used in bomb shelters, sparking initial speculation about its purpose. Local Tensions Persist Despite Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla Chan contributing to local charities and community programmes, their land acquisition and development practices have drawn criticism. Some residents and indigenous groups have expressed concerns about the legal and political manoeuvring used to consolidate the property, which is estimated to have cost over $270 million, including land purchases and development expenses. A Broader Trend Among the Wealthy Zuckerberg’s shelter has reportedly inspired similar projects among affluent individuals. Following Wired’s report, survival shelter manufacturers experienced a surge in interest. Ron Hubbard, CEO of Atlas Survival Shelters, observed, “It got really busy, and it seems like the phone hasn’t stopped ringing; World War III seems like it’s coming.” Robert Vicino, founder of Vivos, a company specialising in underground shelters, noted, “Now that Zuckerberg has let the cat out of the bag, that’s got other people who share his status or are near his status starting to think, ‘Oh God, if he’s doing that, maybe he knows something that I don’t, maybe I should seek this out myself.’” The increased interest in survival shelters reflects rising anxieties over global events, including armed conflicts, climate change, and domestic unrest. Zuckerberg’s Hawaii estate, though initially intended for agricultural projects, has become emblematic of a growing trend where the wealthy prioritise self-preservation measures. While Zuckerberg continues to downplay the notion of a doomsday retreat, his estate highlights the intersection of private ambitions, community impact, and broader societal fears. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )