Highlights
- Oprah Winfrey accused online of not opening a private road during Hawaii tsunami evacuation
- Claims suggest road could have helped ease traffic and allowed faster access to higher ground
- Allegations surfaced on social media amid videos of gridlocked roads in Maui
- Winfrey owns multiple properties in Maui, including land in Kula and Hana
Social media criticism grows amid Hawaii tsunami evacuation
Media personality Oprah Winfrey is facing criticism on social media over unverified claims that she refused to open a private road on her Maui estate during a tsunami evacuation in Hawaii. As thousands of residents attempted to flee low-lying areas following a tsunami warning, users on X (formerly Twitter) alleged that Winfrey’s private road—connecting Wailea to Kula—remained closed.
The speculation emerged alongside footage showing long queues of vehicles and widespread traffic congestion on parts of the island, particularly in Maui, as residents attempted to move to higher ground.
Allegations surface online
Several social media posts have circulated in recent hours, accusing Winfrey of failing to take action that could have potentially helped residents escape affected areas more efficiently.
One user 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. Massive traffic in Maui with thousands trying to escape the massive tsunami coming. Open the road, Oprah.”
Another added: “Why ON EARTH would you choose not to 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.”
A third user questioned: “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.”
Despite the growing speculation online, the claims have not been independently verified. Oprah Winfrey and her representatives have not issued any public statement on the matter at the time of writing.
Oprah’s property portfolio in Maui
Oprah Winfrey owns several large parcels of land in Maui, with her holdings totalling nearly 1,000 acres, according to real estate website realtor.com.
Her first acquisitions came in 2002 and 2003, when she purchased two parcels in the Kula region totalling 163 acres. These were later developed into a modern farmhouse-style retreat.
Over the years, Winfrey expanded her portfolio to include approximately 870 acres of agricultural land in both Kula and Hana, making her one of the most prominent private landowners in the area.
No official confirmation or public statement
As public scrutiny continues to mount online, there is no official record confirming whether a road on Winfrey’s property could have been opened or used to aid evacuation efforts. Local authorities have not commented on the existence or status of any such road, and no emergency directives appear to have been issued concerning her land.
The situation remains fluid as evacuation procedures unfold in response to the tsunami threat. Meanwhile, the online backlash reflects growing public frustration amid ongoing climate-related emergencies in Hawaii and broader discussions around the responsibility of private landowners during natural disasters.
