Palm Island – Hibiscus Island

These 2 elongated oval shaped, man-made islands in Biscayne Bay are located off Mac Arthur Causeway between downtown Miami and Miami Beach. Palm Island is only an area of 82 acres. Hibiscus Island is slightly smaller. Dredging which created Palm and Hibiscus islands was completed in 1922 by the Army Corps of Engineers. In the 1930s, the twin islands became the winter home of such notables as Al Capone and celebrities, who were impressed by the views of the skylines of Downtown Miami and Miami Beach. Al Capone's main house was built in 1922 by Clarence Busch of the Anheuser-Busch Dynasty and purchased in 1928 by Al Capone, who added a guest house, the iconic pool cabana and an enormous 30 by 60 foot swimming pool. The islands are now home to several mansions and lavishly remodeled homes all with relatively high property values. Waterfront properties can secure a yacht at your private dock in your backyard. Palm Island has a large community park with 3 tennis courts, basketball court and volleyball. Access to the islands is via the 24 hour guarded gate at the end of the bridge plus security patrol.