OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has listed his Hawaii estate for $49 million, marking one of the highest-profile real estate sales in the state this year.
The 10-bedroom oceanfront property on the Big Island features extensive luxury amenities and is described in the listing as combining “exceptional privacy” with “advanced security systems that guarantee peace and discretion.”
Why It Matters
Altman’s move to sell the estate comes amid growing attention to the tech billionaire’s expanding real estate holdings, his role at OpenAI, and the company’s potential $500 billion valuation. The sale is also notable given Hawaii’s broader history of land purchases by Silicon Valley elites. Altman joins a long list of tech executives, including Larry Ellison and Mark Zuckerberg, who have invested heavily in island real estate.
The home sale, if completed near asking price, would represent a substantial return on investment for Altman, who reportedly purchased the property in 2021 for $43 million.
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What To Know
The estate, located in Kailua-Kona on the Big Island’s western coast, overlooks Kailua Bay and is situated next to the Kamakahonu National Historic Landmark.
The Sotheby’s real estate listing describes the property as 12,528 square feet on 21.8 acres of land. It includes a main residence, a guest house, and a beach bungalow.
Originally built in 2011 by de Reus Architects, the compound sits on land once owned by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen.
The home is legally owned by Big Surf LLC, a company formerly registered to Altman’s San Francisco residence and now tied to his Napa Valley ranch address. Forbes reported that the LLC is managed by Altman’s cousin, Jennifer Serralta, whose LinkedIn lists her as the COO of a family office.
Altman has not disclosed why he is selling the Hawaii estate, which reportedly hosted his wedding in January 2024.
What People Are Saying
The house listing reads: “Located in one of Hawaii’s most prestigious settings, this estate embodies a blend of luxury and natural beauty. Expansive living spaces, lush outdoor areas, and sweeping views of Kailua Bay and the Pacific Ocean, create a refined island experience. Every inch is designed for relaxation, entertaining, and unwinding in style.
“The residences were designed by de Reus Architects, the interior design was artfully imagined by Philpotts Interiors. Recent updates were completed under the guidance of renowned designer Michael Kao.”
What Happens Next
If Altman completes the sale and doesn’t reinvest the proceeds in Hawaii, he’ll exit a group of billionaire landowners who have become increasingly prominent across the islands.
Altman’s other holdings include a $27 million mansion in San Francisco, which he has called a “lemon” in a lawsuit over mold issues, and a $16 million ranch in Napa County, according to Forbes.
While OpenAI is currently involved in a $10.3 billion secondary share sale that could push the company’s valuation to half a trillion dollars, Altman has said his stake in the company is “immaterial.” His fortune, estimated by Forbes at $2 billion, is believed to come largely from angel investments rather than his role at OpenAI.
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