Who Owns These Billionaire Islands—And What They Really Cost

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When you have billions of dollars in your pocket, beachfront property isn’t enough—you buy the whole island. Remote, breathtaking, and impossibly exclusive, billionaire islands are the ultimate expression of wealth and autonomy. Scattered across the Pacific, the Caribbean, and beyond, these private paradises are owned by tech founders, fashion magnates, and entertainers who want more than just a view of the ocean—they want to own the horizon.

Here’s a look at who’s buying these islands, how much they’re spending, and what makes each one a floating fortress of luxury and seclusion.

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1. Lāna‘i, Hawaii – Larry Ellison

Price: $300 million

Size: ~90,000 acres

Purchased: 2012

When Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison bought 98% of Lāna‘i in 2012, he didn’t just purchase an island—he acquired an entire Hawaiian ecosystem. Spanning nearly 140 square miles, Lāna‘i is the largest privately owned island in the United States and one of the most iconic billionaire islands in the world.

Ellison’s vision: transform it into a sustainable utopia.

The island includes two Four Seasons resorts, an organic farm, a private solar-powered water system, and wellness-centered communities. This is a retreat shaped by ambition—an experiment in eco-luxury that combines island tranquility with high-tech sustainability on a scale only a billionaire could imagine.

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2. Musha Cay, Bahamas – David Copperfield

Price: $50 million

Size: ~700 acres

Purchased: 2006

Musha Cay is one of the most theatrical billionaire islands in the world, owned by legendary illusionist David Copperfield. Located in the Exumas, this 700-acre Bahamian retreat blends cinematic flair with extreme privacy. Copperfield has transformed the island into a lush, otherworldly escape complete with multiple villas, a 2-mile sandbar, and secret passageways designed to enchant. Every detail is tailored for exclusivity, from the curated interiors to a guest list that includes royalty and Hollywood elites. Musha Cay serves as a personal stage set on turquoise water.

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3. Necker Island, British Virgin Islands – Richard Branson

Price: Approx. $10.2 million

Size: 199 acres

Purchased: 1979

Necker Island is the iconic private island owned by Sir Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Group. Nestled in the British Virgin Islands, this 199-acre island blends barefoot luxury with environmental stewardship. Branson transformed Necker into a renowned boutique resort that hosts celebrities, world leaders, and philanthropists. The island features stunning beaches, tropical gardens, and eco-friendly villas designed to harmonize with the natural surroundings, making it a sought-after destination for exclusive events and private retreats.

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4. Moskito Island, British Virgin Islands – Richard Branson

Price: Approximately $10.2 million (2007 purchase)

Size: 235 acres

Purchased: 2007

Moskito Island, part of the British Virgin Islands and owned by Richard Branson, is one of the Caribbean’s most exclusive billionaire islands. Purchased to complement his nearby Necker Island, Moskito offers unparalleled privacy and untouched natural beauty across 235 acres of dense jungle and pristine beaches. The island boasts world-class diving sites, a private marina, and sustainable developments blending luxury with conservation. Moskito’s appeal lies in its combination of seclusion and proximity to established luxury hubs, making it a true sanctuary for those seeking maritime exclusivity.

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5. Bell Island, Bahamas – Aga Khan IV

Price: $100 million

Size: 349 acres

Purchased: 2009

Bell Island sits within the coveted Exumas archipelago of the Bahamas, a hotspot known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and elite yachting culture. Owned by Aga Khan IV, this 349-acre island commands one of the highest price-per-acre valuations among billionaire islands, reflecting its prime location near luxury tourism circuits and direct access via private aircraft or superyachts. Despite its smaller size, Bell Island offers unparalleled privacy, pristine beaches, and rich marine biodiversity. Its exclusivity and convenience make it a treasured retreat for one of the world’s most distinguished families, embodying the perfect balance between seclusion and accessibility.

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6. Laucala Island, Fiji – Estate of Dietrich Mateschitz

Price: $10 million

Size: 3,500 acres

Purchased: 2003

Laucala Island is a 3,500-acre South Pacific jewel owned by the estate of Dietrich Mateschitz, the late co-founder of Red Bull. Situated in Fiji, the island has been transformed into a world-class luxury resort that offers a rare blend of unspoiled nature and impeccable design. Guests experience overwater villas, pristine coral reefs, and a private airstrip, all set against lush tropical landscapes. Laucala epitomizes the pinnacle of private island hospitality, where sustainability meets indulgence and the vibrant marine environment forms an integral part of the island’s allure. It remains a sought-after destination for those seeking privacy, exclusivity, and an immersive oceanic experience.

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7. Hans Lollik, Cayo Norte, Eustatia, and Tavarua Islands – Larry Page

Price: Approximately $55 million+ (combined purchases)

Size: ~969 acres combined

Purchased: Between 2014 and 2020

Larry Page, co-founder of Google, has assembled an impressive portfolio of private islands spanning the Caribbean and South Pacific. His holdings include Hans Lollik, Cayo Norte, Eustatia, and Tavarua Islands, collectively totaling nearly 1,000 acres. These islands offer a combination of pristine beaches, protected marine environments, and luxurious accommodations. Page’s acquisitions reflect a strategic approach to privacy and versatility—providing secluded sanctuaries for relaxation, remote work, and high-profile entertaining. With infrastructure ranging from private airstrips to sustainable developments, these islands represent some of the most sophisticated and diversified private island holdings in the billionaire market.

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8. Dunk Island, Queensland, Australia – Mike and Annie Cannon-Brookes

Price: Approximately $16 million

Size: Not publicly specified but notably smaller than some others on this list

Purchased: 2022

Dunk Island, located off the coast of Queensland, Australia, was acquired by Mike and Annie Cannon-Brookes, co-founders of Atlassian, in 2022. The island is undergoing redevelopment into an eco-luxury resort, blending the natural beauty of the Coral Sea with modern sustainable design. Dunk Island offers lush tropical landscapes, pristine beaches, and a rich history as a natural sanctuary. The Cannon-Brookes’ vision aims to revive the island’s infrastructure and elevate it as a premier destination for eco-conscious luxury travelers, marking a significant addition to the landscape of billionaire-owned islands.

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9. Great St. James and Little St. James Islands, U.S. Virgin Islands – Stephen Deckoff

Price: Approximately $60 million (combined purchase)

Size: Approximately 235 acres total

Purchased: 2023

Stephen Deckoff, a New York hedge fund manager, acquired Great St. James and Little St. James in the U.S. Virgin Islands in 2023, both previously owned by Jeffrey Epstein. These islands have attracted significant attention due to their history and prime location in the Caribbean. Deckoff plans to redevelop the islands, transforming them into exclusive private retreats. The combined acreage offers stunning beaches, protected marine environments, and proximity to St. Thomas International Airport, enhancing accessibility while maintaining privacy. This acquisition marks a notable chapter in the ongoing evolution of billionaire islands in the Caribbean.

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Takeaway

Billionaire islands vary widely in size and price, but their value is driven most by location, infrastructure, and privacy. From Larry Ellison’s large Hawaiian estate to smaller, highly exclusive islands in the Bahamas and Australia, these properties reflect a mix of lifestyle, investment, and access. Each island is a private asset tailored to its owner’s needs.