Oprah's Private Road Open for Hawaii Tsunami Evacuees, Police Confirm

The Rumor About Oprah Winfrey’s Private Road During the Hawaii Tsunami

On July 29, 2025, Hawaii was hit by tsunami waves following an 8.8 magnitude earthquake in Russia. Amid the chaos, a rumor spread that Oprah Winfrey had closed her private road on the island of Maui, preventing residents from using it as a shortcut to escape the incoming waves. This claim quickly gained traction on social media platforms like X and TikTok, sparking public concern and outrage.

Oprah has been a part-time resident of Maui since purchasing property on the island in 2003. Her estate includes a private road that some residents believed could serve as a critical evacuation route during the emergency. One post claimed:

"BREAKING: Oprah HAS NOT opened her private road from Wailea to Kula, Hawaii, which would allow coastal folks to reach higher ground quickly, locals tell me. OPEN THE ROAD, @OPRAH! Roads on Maui are GRIDLOCKED as people try to escape the incoming Tsunami."

The post, shared around 4:30 p.m. Hawaii Standard Time, described the desperation of evacuees trying to find a safe path to higher ground. A Maui resident named Shelby Hosana expressed her fear, saying:

"I'm stuck with my children in the truck with sirens going off. If Oprah's road was open, I could have a way to get out. Instead we will just hope and pray the first wave time estimates are correct and we still have time to get to higher ground."

However, according to a Maui County tsunami alert issued on July 29 for 7 p.m. HST (published at 7:16 p.m.), Winfrey’s road was indeed open for public use. The alert stated:

"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. Also, Oprah's road is open to get Upcountry, according to Maui Police Department."

Despite this, several posts on X and TikTok claimed—without evidence—that Winfrey only opened her road in response to public pressure. These claims were later denied by Winfrey’s spokesperson. In a statement on her official X account, the spokesperson wrote:

"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."

Traffic and Evacuation Challenges

There were numerous reports of heavy traffic on the roads ahead of the tsunami. The congestion, combined with the restriction of only 50 cars being allowed through Winfrey’s private road at a time, likely led to long lines and delays for evacuees. Many residents found themselves waiting for hours, hoping to reach higher ground before the first wave arrived.

The tsunami waves first hit Hawaii’s island of Kauai at around 7:30 p.m. local time. On Maui, the first major wave was recorded on the North Shore at approximately 8 p.m. Despite the initial fears, by June 30, 2025, there were no reports of widespread damage, and the tsunami warnings were downgraded and eventually canceled.

Public Response and Clarification

The incident highlighted the challenges of emergency evacuations, especially in areas with limited infrastructure. While some residents felt frustrated by the slow movement of traffic, others praised the efforts of local authorities and the cooperation of private landowners like Winfrey.

The confusion surrounding the status of the road underscores the importance of clear communication during natural disasters. As the situation unfolded, it became evident that misinformation can spread rapidly, especially on social media. However, official statements and updates from local authorities helped clarify the facts and guide residents toward safer routes.

Ultimately, the event served as a reminder of the critical role that both public and private resources play in disaster preparedness and response. It also emphasized the need for accurate information to be disseminated quickly to prevent unnecessary panic and ensure the safety of all affected individuals.