
Oprah denies private road access as Hawaiians flee 10-foot-high tsunami
What's the story
Television host and entrepreneur Oprah Winfrey is facing massive backlash for allegedly refusing to open her private road from Wailea to Kula, Hawaii. Social media users claim that the road could have provided a crucial escape route for residents amid a tsunami warning. Social media users voiced their frustration over the situation, with one user saying, "Oprah won't open her private road from Wailea to Kula... Massive Traffic in Maui with thousands trying to escape the massive Tsunami coming."
Public outcry
Social media users express outrage over the situation
Social media platforms have been flooded with comments criticizing Winfrey for not opening her private road. One user wrote, "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." Another comment read, "Wait, so people are trapped with their kids in gridlock and Oprah's private road is just... chilling?"
Twitter Post
Open the damn road, a user wrote
🚨 #NEW: People in Maui are now going OFF ROAD to escape the imminent tsunami triggered by the 8.8 magnitude earthquake
— George 🇺🇸 (@anaveragegeorge) July 30, 2025
Amid this, Oprah Winfrey is REFUSING to open her private road. People are UNABLE to get to higher ground.@OPRAH: OPEN THE DAMN ROAD!pic.twitter.com/akS38Vbyjd
Land ownership
Winfrey's property portfolio in Hawaii
Winfrey owns nearly 1,000 acres of land on Maui, Hawaii. Her property portfolio includes two parcels in Kula bought in 2002 and 2003, which were developed into a modern farmhouse retreat. She has also purchased about 870 acres of agricultural land in both Kula and Hana over the years. In 2023, the billionaire had also received massive hatred for appealing for donations to help victims after the Maui wildfires.
Evacuation underway
Tsunami warning issued in Hawaii, with major traffic jams reported
The criticism comes as Hawaii is under a tsunami warning, with residents evacuating to higher ground. Videos on social media show major traffic jams across parts of the state, especially in Maui. Per reports, some Northern Hawaiian Island shores may see tsunami waves up to 10ft. Honolulu's mayor advised citizens to seek higher ground, while Hawaii's governor encouraged people to evacuate coastal areas immediately. "It will not hit one beach, it will wrap around the islands," Governor Josh Green said.
Respond
Winfrey responds to claims
Winfrey has since responded to the social media claims, with her spokesperson telling Newsweek, "As soon as we heard the tsunami warnings, we contacted local law enforcement and FEMA to ensure the road was opened. 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."