Oprah Did Not Close Road Amid Maui Tsunami Evacuation — Here's What Really Happened

As tsunami warnings sent residents scrambling for higher ground in Hawaii on Tuesday, 29 July, Oprah Winfrey's name began trending on social media.

Viral claims accused the media mogul of refusing to open a private road on her Maui estate to assist with evacuations.

However, officials have confirmed that the road was in fact open and coordinated with local authorities. The backlash was fuelled more by fear and misinformation than verified fact.

Tsunami Alert Sparks Online Uproar

A powerful 8.8-magnitude earthquake off Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula triggered tsunami warnings across the Pacific, prompting evacuations in Hawaii and along the U.S. West Coast.

According to the Lad Bible, the tsunami gauge at Kahului on Maui recorded a wave of 5.7 feet, while Hilo saw waves near 4.9 feet.

Authorities urged immediate evacuations of low-lying areas. Honolulu's mayor stressed the seriousness, telling residents to seek the highest ground possible, although officials had yet to observe a major destructive wave.

The tsunami was triggered by tectonic shifts that displaced large volumes of ocean water—a natural but hazardous event that demands swift public response to protect lives.

As traffic congestion worsened on Maui's coastal roads, social media erupted with posts claiming Oprah's private road between Wailea and the higher-elevation Kula region could have eased the situation.

Some users alleged that access was being denied, fuelling calls for her to unlock the gate for fleeing residents.

What Authorities Confirmed

Oprah's spokesperson promptly denied the accusations, stating that her team had contacted local law enforcement and FEMA as soon as warnings were issued. They confirmed coordination to ensure the road remained open to assist with evacuation.

Maui Police backed up the statement, confirming that the road was being managed at the time of the alert. To maintain order, officers reportedly allowed approximately 50 vehicles through at a time, helping ease traffic and move residents to safety.

Conflicting Reports and Misunderstandings

Some initial posts claimed the road had remained shut for too long before eventually being opened. Swedish outlet Aftonbladet reported criticism that it should have been accessible earlier.

However, multiple credible sources, including emergency services and local officials, later clarified that the road was not blocked and was being actively used under police supervision.

Oprah's History of Supporting Emergency Response

Oprah Winfrey owns more than 1,000 acres in Maui, including property in both coastal and upcountry areas. Over the years, she has consistently supported local disaster response efforts.

During the 2019 wildfires, she allowed authorities to use her private road to facilitate evacuations and provide access for emergency services.

In this latest event, there is no evidence to suggest that she deviated from that practice. On the contrary, local reports suggest she once again cooperated with officials to assist those in need.

How Misinformation Spread So Quickly

Tsunami warnings naturally heighten anxiety, and with panic rising across the islands, misinformation gained rapid traction. Social media became a hotbed for unverified claims, many of which targeted high-profile figures like Oprah due to their land ownership and perceived influence.

Despite the online outrage, no verifiable evidence has emerged to show Oprah refused access to her road. Emergency authorities repeatedly confirmed that the road was operational and contributed to the evacuation process.

In times of crisis, misinformation can spread faster than facts. While the fear driving the public reaction was understandable, the allegations against Oprah Winfrey were not grounded in reality.

Verified reports from local police and emergency agencies confirm that her road was open and used to help residents reach safety. The real story is one of cooperation, not obstruction.