Oprah Winfrey Responds to Viral Claims About Blocking Tsunami Evacuation Route in Maui

As tsunami waves reached the Hawaiian islands following a devastating 8.8-magnitude earthquake off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, residents across Maui scrambled to evacuate to higher ground. But amid the chaos, viral allegations aimed at one of Maui’s most famous residents, Oprah Winfrey, ignited outrage and confusion online.

Videos quickly began circulating on X (formerly Twitter), accusing Winfrey of refusing to open a private road on her property—allegedly blocking a potentially life-saving evacuation route. The backlash was swift. But now, Winfrey has issued a response, and law enforcement has clarified the situation.

Panic on Maui

The powerful undersea quake occurred late Tuesday night near eastern Russia, sending tsunami waves outward across the Pacific. Hawaii, among the first areas hit, saw ocean water push inland, prompting mass evacuations, especially along coastal areas.

On the island of Maui, traffic gridlock and panic set in quickly. In one viral video, a man showed a long line of cars trying to access a road near Thompson Road, part of the area surrounding Oprah’s ranch in Kula. The man could be heard saying:

“Look at this. I think they’re trying to open Oprah’s road. C’mon Oprah, save us… We’re stuck and a tsunami is coming.”

The implication was clear: Oprah’s gates were closed—and people trying to reach higher elevations felt they were being blocked.

Thousands of online users jumped into the debate. Some accused the media mogul of negligence. Others demanded she immediately open the road, arguing that precious minutes were being lost while residents sat in cars with sirens wailing in the distance.

“Why hasn’t Oprah opened her road? This could save lives,” one X user wrote.
“Locals say Oprah’s private road from Wailea to Kula is still closed. Open the road, Oprah!” another person posted.

What’s Public and What’s Private?

There was confusion, however, about the status of the road in question.

According to Hawaii News Now, Thompson Road is technically a public road that cuts through Oprah’s private ranch land. Similarly, NBC News reported that there is indeed a public access route that runs through property owned by Winfrey’s estate.

In a breaking update shared on X by journalist Nick Sortor, the road was confirmed open:

“BREAKING: Following intense public pressure, Oprah’s private road has been OPENED to those escaping the tsunami… If you’re in Wailea on Maui and need to get to higher ground, USE OPRAH’S ROAD NOW!”

The post included an update from local authorities confirming the access route was available. Meanwhile, Maui Police Department issued a Tsunami Warning Traffic Guidance that included:

“Oprah’s road is open to get Upcountry, according to Maui Police Department.”

Oprah’s Camp Responds

Soon after the viral backlash gained traction, Oprah Winfrey’s spokesperson released an official statement to Newsweek, denying claims that the road was ever closed or blocked intentionally.

“As soon as we heard the tsunami warnings, we contacted local law enforcement and FEMA to ensure the road was opened,” the statement read.
“Any reports otherwise are false. Law enforcement is currently on site, helping residents through 50 cars at a time to ensure everyone’s safety. The road will remain open as long as needed.”

To further calm public concern, a community note was added to the viral X video, clarifying that the Maui Police Department had confirmed the road was open and accessible.

Tsunami Devastation Across the Pacific

While Maui narrowly escaped a catastrophic impact, the tsunami has left devastation in its wake across parts of Russia, Japan, and the wider Pacific region.

In Russia, near the epicenter, multiple buildings were damaged, including a kindergarten that collapsed—though no casualties were reported. The Russian state news agency TASS declared a state of emergency shortly after.

In Japan, waves battered parts of Hokkaido, forcing more than 2 million people across 21 prefectures under evacuation alerts. California’s northern coast also experienced tsunami surges early Wednesday morning.

The United States, Peru, Chile, Indonesia, Mexico, Taiwan, and Ecuador were among the many nations placed under tsunami watch following the quake.

Footage captured in multiple cities shows streets flooded with rushing water, large debris being swept away, and panicked citizens trying to reach safety. While major loss of life has so far been avoided, infrastructure damage and displacement are widespread.

Closing Thoughts

While misinformation often spreads rapidly in times of crisis, it appears that Oprah Winfrey and her team acted quickly and cooperatively with local officials to open the road and allow safe passage for evacuees on Maui. Confusion over public and private property lines may have fueled the initial outrage, but authorities have since confirmed that the route is open and being monitored.

As the Pacific region deals with the aftermath of one of the largest earthquakes in recent memory, thoughts and prayers continue to go out to the families and communities impacted around the world. And on Maui, one gated road is now a symbol of both criticism—and eventual cooperation—in the face of disaster.