Which Pricey Retreat Costs More: Hawaiian Ranch or Connecticut Island?

A vast Hawaiian ranch in Hakalau offers an 8,500-square-foot cabin, 800 acres of rolling pasture, and a waterfall, conjuring visions of cattle rearing or eco-tourism. In contrast, Hay Island off Darien, Connecticut, features an 18-acre private enclave with a main house, cottage, and pool house, providing a vintage coastal retreat near Manhattan. Both command high prices, each catering to ultra-wealthy buyers seeking exclusivity—be it tropical farmland or a secluded island in Long Island Sound. The debate: Which costs more? Historically, East Coast private islands can fetch astronomical sums thanks to proximity to affluent hubs, while large-scale Hawaiian ranches offer fewer direct comparables. Each lifestyle involves specialized staffing, maintenance, and insurance complexities, leaving prospective owners weighing uniqueness against logistics.