'Open the road': Oprah Winfrey accused of keeping private Maui route closed amid Hawaii tsunami alert

KULA, HAWAII: As panic grips Hawaii following a tsunami warning triggered by a powerful 8.7-magnitude earthquake near Russia’s Pacific coast, Oprah Winfrey is facing backlash online. 

Social media users are accusing the media mogul of refusing to open her private road connecting Wailae to Kula, as thousands of Maui residents scramble to evacuate to higher ground. 

Although rumors went viral online claiming Winfrey refused to open her private roads, the Maui Police Department has confirmed that her road is, in fact, open. In a statement, the department said, "Also, Oprah’s road is open to get Upcountry."

Viral videos show gridlocked highways and chaotic scenes across the islands, with tsunami waves expected to reach the Bay Area’s west coast by 12:30 am on July 30.

Oprah Winfrey faces online backlash amid tsunami warning

The National Weather Service’s Tsunami Warning Center has issued a tsunami watch for the California coast, warning that the first waves could reach the Bay Area as early as 12:30 am on Wednesday, July 30. The alert follows a powerful 8.7-magnitude earthquake off Russia’s Pacific coast.

“TSUNAMI WATCH in effect for the California coast. Estimated time of arrival as early as 12:15 AM on July 30. People along the coast: Stand by for further updates,” the NWS said in its latest advisory.

Meanwhile, panic continues to spread online, with users on X (formerly Twitter) criticizing Oprah Winfrey over claims that she has refused to open her private road connecting Wailea to Kula on Maui, despite mass evacuations across the region. 

One person wrote, “Oprah won’t open her private road from Wailea to Kula, Hawaii, which would make it much easier for locals to get to higher ground."

One commenter added, "Massive Traffic in Maui with thousands trying to escape the massive Tsunami coming. Open the road Oprah.”

"Oprah Winfrey reportedly refused to open her private road from Wailea to Kula—a potentially life-saving route for many coastal residents attempting to evacuate as tsunami rapidly approaches Maui," tweeted another. 

A person added, "Why ON EARTH would you choose to not open your own private road that would allow people to get to higher ground safely Be a hero (or just a decent human) and open the road Oprah Winfrey. Do the right thing.”

A netizen added, "“Wait, so people are trapped with their kids in gridlock and Oprah’s private road is just… chilling? Hopefully it’s open soon or these people find another way to get to higher ground. Scary.”

One enraged user said, “Just crash the road. What can she do?”

One commenter asked, “Why are Hawaiis leaders allowing her to block roads?”

How many residences does Oprah Winfrey have in Hawaii?

Oprah Winfrey owns nearly 1,000 acres of land on Maui, Hawaii. Her first purchases were two parcels in the Kula region acquired in 2002 and 2003, totaling 163 acres, which she later transformed into a modern farmhouse retreat. Over time, she expanded her holdings with additional land in both Kula and Hana, including roughly 870 acres of agricultural property.

Amid the ongoing tsunami warnings, the Maui Police Department issued a traffic update. The statement read: "Maui Veterans Highway is congested; use Cane Haul Road toward Hansen and Pulehu roads to get to Kula. Road above Makena Golf Course provides access to Ulupalakua." Addressing recent rumors, the department added, "Also, Oprah’s road is open to get Upcountry,"

During the 2023 Maui wildfires, Winfrey opened her road to support evacuation efforts, earning praise from local authorities. That previous act of cooperation has fueled public expectations that she would do the same in this tsunami emergency. Still, frustration is mounting online as residents struggle with traffic gridlock and growing fear in the face of the approaching threat.

This article contains remarks made on the internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online