Oprah Winfrey Addresses Accusations of Blocking Evacuation Route During Hawaii Tsunami Scare

As tsunami waves began crashing into Hawaii’s shores following a powerful 8.8-magnitude earthquake off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, evacuation efforts surged across the island of Maui. Amid the chaos, social media erupted with claims that one of Maui’s most prominent residents—Oprah Winfrey—had allegedly refused to open a private road on her property, a route that could have served as a crucial escape path for fleeing residents.

With sirens blaring and traffic choking major roads, many residents scrambled for higher ground. A viral video shared on X (formerly Twitter) showed a long line of cars seemingly stalled near a locked gate, reportedly on a road crossing Oprah’s estate. In the video, one frustrated voice could be heard saying, “C’mon Oprah, save us… We’re stuck and a tsunami is coming.”

Online outrage followed swiftly. Users called out the media mogul, accusing her of withholding access to what they believed could be a life-saving detour. “Why hasn’t Oprah opened her road? This could save lives,” one post read. Another alleged, “Locals say she hasn’t opened her private road from Wailea to Kula—people are gridlocked trying to flee the tsunami.”

Oprah’s property, located in Kula, includes parts of Thompson Road, which, according to local news outlets like Hawaii News Now and NBC News, is technically a public road that cuts through her land. This nuance added fuel to the controversy, as many argued that the route should have been accessible during a public emergency.

As pressure mounted online, reports emerged that the road had, in fact, been opened to the public. Journalist Nick Sortor posted, “BREAKING: Following INTENSE public pressure, Oprah’s private road has been OPENED… WELL DONE, EVERYONE!” He urged residents in Wailea and nearby areas to use the road if they needed to reach safer, higher ground.

Adding clarity to the situation, a community note attached to the original viral video cited the Maui Police Department, which confirmed that the road was open and being used to manage evacuation traffic. An official tsunami update from the department directed people to several routes, including “Oprah’s road,” for safe passage to Upcountry Maui.

Soon after, a spokesperson for Oprah Winfrey issued a formal statement denying the allegations that she had kept the road closed. “As soon as we heard the tsunami warnings, we contacted local law enforcement and FEMA to ensure the road was opened,” the spokesperson told Newsweek. “Any reports otherwise are false. Local law enforcement are currently on site helping residents through 50 cars at a time to ensure everyone’s safety. The road will remain open as long as necessary.”

The earthquake near Russia had ripple effects far beyond Hawaii. Tsunami waves were recorded along parts of California’s northern coast and reached as far as Japan’s Hokkaido island, prompting evacuation advisories for over two million people across 21 prefectures. Damage in Russia included collapsed buildings, including a kindergarten, though early reports confirmed no injuries. State media there declared a state of emergency, and visuals showed floodwaters sweeping through urban areas.

Other countries under tsunami watches or warnings included the Philippines, Mexico, Peru, Chile, Indonesia, Taiwan, Panama, Ecuador, and even Alaska.

As events continue to unfold, thoughts remain with the communities impacted by this natural disaster. Amid the fear and confusion, the situation involving Oprah’s road became a flashpoint of public emotion—but was ultimately clarified by officials and her representatives alike.