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Oprah Winfrey faces backlash online over reportedly not opening her private Maui road during Hawaii tsunami

Amid Hawaii’s tsunami warnings, Oprah Winfrey faces backlash online over closure of road access; officials say her private route was opened.
posted by Sumit Yadav
Wednesday 7/30/2025 at 10:42AM EDT
  • Michelle Obama and Oprah Winfrey during Oprah 2020 Vision Tour.
    Michelle Obama and Oprah Winfrey during Oprah 2020 Vision Tour.

    American talk show host Oprah Winfrey has been in the news lately and not for good reasons this time. Winfrey received severe public criticism after being accused of initially preventing Hawaii residents from using a private road on her Maui property during a recent tsunami alert. 

    Winfrey's private road connected Wailea to Kula, Hawaii, a higher ground where locals were trying to head to as tsunami warning was issued after a massive 8.8-magnitude earthquake off Russia's eastern coast. Many concerned citizens expressed their opinions on social media platforms such as X. Users tweeted with harsh words for Winfrey, critcizing her supposed action of preventing the public from using her private road and that she should also be held accountable if anything happens to the public.

    Although Initial reports claimed that the road—privately owned by Oprah Winfrey—remained closed during the emergency, Maui police and a spokesperson on Winfrey’s behalf, later confirmed the road was, in fact, open and being used as part of coordinated evacuation efforts.

    Road access clarified amid public concern

    As mentioned above, the road connects Wailea to Kula via an inland route, offering a strategic bypass that locals argue could help ease traffic congestion during emergencies. Critics initially alleged that Oprah Winfrey’s refusal to open the road endangered lives by limiting evacuation options.

    However, the Maui Police Department clarified the situation in a public statement, noting:

    “Maui Veterans Highway is congested; use Cane Haul Road toward Hansen and Pulehu roads to get to Kula. The road above Makena Golf Course provides access to Ulupalakua. Also, Oprah’s road is open to get to Upcountry.”

    A spokesperson for Oprah Winfrey echoed that confirmation, stating to Daily Express:

    “As soon as we heard the tsunami warnings, we contacted local law enforcement and FEMA to ensure the road was open. 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.”

    The initial reports and the long-standing issue of limited public access to private infrastructure during emergencies has only increased public’s skepticism. The incident has reignited debate around how private landowners, especially high-profile figures, should respond during natural disasters.

    Oprah Winfrey: A legacy beyond controversy

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    A post shared by Oprah (@oprah)

    Although the criticism continues to grow, Oprah Winfrey is recognized for her broader contributions both locally and globally. She has maintained a long-standing presence in Maui and was widely praised for her support alongside Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson during the devastating 2023 Lahaina wildfires. Her efforts included donations of emergency supplies, temporary shelter, and $10 million in direct financial aid to affected families.

    Oprah Winfrey is also known as an iconic media figure whose influence spans television, publishing, and philanthropy. From her 25-year run on The Oprah Winfrey Show to founding her own network and leadership academy, she has often been lauded for using her platform to promote education, wellness, and empowerment.

    As this latest event unfolds, locals are hoping more transparency can be shown in coordination between private property owners and emergency services. Contrary to the backlash received, the road on Winfrey’s property remains open, monitored by law enforcement, and in active use to support evacuation and traffic management efforts.

    Stay tuned with us for further updates.

    TOPICS: Oprah Winfrey


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