The Hawaiian islands faced a tense and uncertain day after an 8.8-magnitude earthquake in Russia’s Far East triggered tsunami warnings across the Pacific. As state and local authorities worked quickly to move residents away from the coast, online rumors began to swirl. Among the chatter was a particularly explosive accusation: that Oprah Winfrey, one of Maui’s most famous residents, had refused to open a private road that could have provided an alternative evacuation route for those fleeing the incoming waves.
The claim, amplified by viral social media posts, spread with lightning speed. In a matter of hours, it had been viewed millions of times and generated a storm of debate about privilege, property rights, and the responsibilities of public figures during emergencies.
The Allegations Take Off
The initial accusation came from an anonymous account on X (formerly Twitter), which posted, “People in Maui, Hawaii are trying to escape the tsunami and are BEGGING Oprah to open the private road on her property. She’s reportedly still refusing. In a crisis, blocking an escape route is inhumane.” The post was accompanied by traffic footage showing gridlock on evacuation routes and a map highlighting a road that appeared to cross Winfrey’s extensive Maui property.
Within hours, other accounts began to echo the claim, with hashtags like #OpenTheRoadOprah trending. “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 user alleged. Others implored the billionaire philanthropist directly, flooding her official accounts with demands to open the road.
The controversy escalated further when the original account behind the accusation posted an update: “After massive public uproar and intervention from President Trump, Oprah has finally opened her private road to aid emergency access. Her social media team is now in full damage control mode – but this was not expected from her. Public trust shaken.”
Oprah’s Response
As the speculation reached a fever pitch, a spokesperson for Winfrey moved to set the record straight. In a statement to Newsweek, the spokesperson denied the allegation outright. “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,” the spokesperson said.
The statement was bolstered by a public update from the Maui Police Department, which confirmed that “Oprah’s road is open to get Upcountry,” referencing the higher-elevation areas where evacuees were being directed. By the time tsunami warnings were downgraded later in the day, the narrative around Winfrey’s actions had shifted, but the initial accusations had already left a mark.
A History of Opening the Road
The private road in question cuts through Winfrey’s expansive farm on the slopes of Haleakalā, a dormant volcano that dominates Maui’s landscape. It connects Wailea, a coastal resort area, to Kula, a rural community at higher elevation. In the past, Winfrey has opened the road during emergencies, including in 2019 and 2023, when Maui was battling devastating wildfires.
Those previous actions made the latest accusations particularly surprising to many longtime residents. “Oprah has always been willing to help during disasters,” said Leilani Kaleo, a local business owner who lives in Kula. “People were quick to assume the worst this time, but I think we need to take a breath and remember the facts.”
The Broader Emergency Response
While social media debates raged, state and local officials were focused on the more immediate task of protecting lives. Hawaii Governor Josh Green held a press conference to update residents on the situation. “So far we have not seen a wave of consequence, which is a great relief to us,” Green said. “We expect to be about two to three hours at least until we can call ‘all clear.’ So far though, at the moment, so good.”
By late afternoon, officials downgraded the tsunami warnings, allowing evacuees to return home. Only small waves were observed along Hawaii’s shores, but authorities maintained that the evacuation orders had been necessary. “We can’t afford to take chances with events of this magnitude,” said Maui County’s emergency management director.
Trump’s Public Statement
Former President Donald Trump also entered the conversation, posting on Truth Social about the tsunami threat. “Due to a massive earthquake that occurred in the Pacific Ocean, a Tsunami Warning is in effect for those living in Hawaii. A Tsunami Watch is in effect for Alaska and the Pacific Coast of the United States. Japan is also in the way. Please visit tsunami.gov/ for the latest information. STAY STRONG AND STAY SAFE!”
Though some social media users claimed that Trump had personally intervened to ensure the road’s opening, there is no evidence to support that assertion. The timeline provided by both law enforcement and Winfrey’s team indicates that the road was open well before Trump’s statement was posted.
The Power and Pitfalls of Social Media During Disasters
The episode has reignited questions about the role of social media during emergencies. On one hand, platforms like X can be invaluable for quickly disseminating life-saving information. On the other, they can also spread unverified claims that distract from or even undermine official response efforts.
“False information during disasters can cause panic and erode public trust,” said Dr. Amanda Rivera, a crisis communications expert at the University of Hawaii. “People need to be careful about what they share. Verify before you amplify.”
The situation also highlighted how quickly public opinion can turn against even the most trusted figures. Winfrey, who has long cultivated an image of generosity and community support, found herself the subject of intense criticism based on unsubstantiated allegations. “This was a reminder that no one is immune from misinformation,” Rivera added.
Winfrey’s History on Maui
Winfrey purchased her Maui estate in 2003 and has since become one of the island’s most high-profile residents. Her farm, which spans several hundred acres, is known for its sustainable agricultural practices and scenic views of the island’s coastline. She has also invested in local initiatives, supporting education and disaster relief efforts over the years.
During the 2023 wildfires that ravaged Lahaina and other parts of Maui, Winfrey personally delivered supplies to displaced residents and opened her private road to help with evacuations. That history made the latest controversy even more jarring for some. “Oprah has done a lot for this island,” said Kaleo. “I hope people remember that before jumping to conclusions.”
A Return to Normalcy—For Now
By the end of the day, the immediate danger had passed, and evacuees began returning to their homes. For many, relief was tempered by the realization that Hawaii remains vulnerable to natural disasters. The Pacific Ring of Fire, where tectonic activity is common, means that earthquakes and tsunami threats will always be a part of life on the islands.
For Winfrey, the incident may linger longer. Her team has already faced questions about why the road’s status was not more clearly communicated during the early hours of the evacuation. While her spokesperson has insisted that coordination with law enforcement was swift and effective, some critics believe the episode underscores the need for greater transparency when private infrastructure plays a role in public safety.
Lessons Learned
Emergency management experts say the controversy around Winfrey’s road is a cautionary tale for property owners and public officials alike. “When private land can be used as part of an evacuation route, it’s critical to have clear agreements and communication protocols in place before disaster strikes,” said Rivera.
As Hawaii begins to assess its response to the tsunami threat, those conversations are likely to continue. For now, Governor Green and other officials are urging residents to focus on preparedness. “We were lucky this time,” Green said. “But we can’t let our guard down. The next event could be much worse.”
A Community Moving Forward
For the people of Maui, the day’s events were a sobering reminder of nature’s unpredictability and the importance of unity during crises. Whether standing in traffic for hours or watching rumors swirl online, residents experienced firsthand how quickly chaos can take hold.
As one evacuee put it, “When you’re trying to get your family to safety, the last thing you need is more confusion. We all need to work together—neighbors, officials, everyone—because when the sirens go off, every second counts.”
In the aftermath, Oprah Winfrey’s raised profile and influence on the island are likely to remain topics of conversation. But for now, the focus is on recovery and gratitude that the tsunami threat ended without loss of life. And as Hawaii returns to normal, residents and leaders alike are considering how to be better prepared for the next emergency, whenever it may come.
