Oprah Winfrey's sprawling estate in Maui is once again under scrutiny, this time amid claims it contributed to restricted public access during a recent tsunami scare. But this isn't the first time her property has drawn criticism.
Just last year, the media mogul faced backlash following reports that she had hired a private fire crew to protect her home while wildfires devastated surrounding communities. The latest row has revived ongoing concerns about privilege, land use, and access in Hawaii.
The Latest Controversy
Social media erupted with claims that Oprah Winfrey blocked access to a private road on her Maui estate during a tsunami evacuation on 29 July 2025, following an 8.8-magnitude earthquake off Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula.
The allegations suggested Winfrey's refusal delayed residents fleeing to higher ground, sparking outrage.
However, Winfrey's team and local authorities swiftly debunked these claims, confirming the road was opened promptly to aid evacuations.
The controversy, rooted in misinformation, highlights tensions over land ownership in Maui, where Winfrey's extensive holdings have long drawn scrutiny.
What Happened Before
Back in August 2023, Oprah Winfrey faced backlash after social media users accused her of hiring private firefighters to shield her estate during the devastating Maui wildfires. The claim went viral, with critics accusing her of prioritising her property over local residents and later soliciting donations for the People's Fund of Maui, despite contributing $10 million (around £7.5 million) alongside Dwayne Johnson.
However, fact-checkers from PolitiFact and other outlets found no evidence to support the allegation, and a spokesperson for Winfrey confirmed her properties were not near the fire zones. Newsweek and the Associated Press further debunked the rumour, clarifying that Oprah neither blocked public roads nor used private crews. Despite the misinformation, local officials praised her for delivering supplies and complying with shelter protocols during her visits.
Misinformation Sparks Backlash
This time around, the tsunami warning, issued at 3:00pm local time on 29 July 2025, prompted mass evacuations across Maui's coastal areas as residents faced gridlocked roads.
Social media posts on X falsely claimed Winfrey refused to open a private road, known locally as 'Oprah's road,' connecting Wailea to Kula's higher ground.
🚨 BREAKING: People on Maui, Hawaii trying to escape the tsunami are BEGGING Oprah to open her private road to higher ground, and she’s STILL REFUSING
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) July 30, 2025
TIME IS RUNNING OUT.
Oprah’s road is marked in blue. The ONLY OTHER ROUTE to higher ground is the RED ROUTE, and it’s… pic.twitter.com/aABdfUg7se
X posts from @compassiom stated, 'Oprah Winfrey reportedly refused to open her private road from Wailea to Kula—a potentially life-saving route.'
Massive Traffic in Maui with thousands trying to escape the massive Tsunami coming. Open the road Oprah.” Another wrote, “Oprah Winfrey reportedly refused to open her private road from Wailea to Kula—a potentially life-saving route for many coastal residents attempting to…
— 🌜🌏RIO MAXWELL🌏🌛 (@compassiom) July 30, 2025
Another from @lsferguson claimed, 'Billionaire Elitist Oprah Winfrey Reportedly REFUSED to Open Her Private Road in Hawaii to Ordinary People During Tsunami Warning – Oprah Responds.' These unverified posts, some viewed millions of times, fueled public anger.
Infuriating: Billionaire Elitist Oprah Winfrey Reportedly REFUSED to Open Her Private Road in Hawaii to Ordinary People During Tsunami Warning – Oprah Responds https://t.co/6LboFEYavL
— Steve Ferguson (@lsferguson) July 30, 2025
However, Winfrey's spokesperson countered, '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.'
Maui County confirmed the road was accessible by 7:16pm, allowing 150–200 vehicles to evacuate safely.
The Road's Ownership and Opening
Contrary to public belief, the road, Kealakapu Road, is not owned by Winfrey but by Haleakalā Ranch, a 30,000-acre property operated since the 1800s.
Winfrey holds an easement agreement, allowing her to use and improve the road, which she has paved. Haleakalā Ranch's president, Scott Meidell, clarified, 'We had conversations with Ms Winfrey's land management staff during this process.'
The ranch contacted Maui's fire department and Emergency Management Agency shortly after 3:00pm, opening the road by 5:00pm. Escorted caravans, each with lead and sweep vehicles, ensured safe passage until 7:00pm.
Maui County's press release at 7:16pm stated, 'Oprah's road is open to get Upcountry,' dispelling rumours.
Winfrey's history of opening the road during crises, including the 2019 and 2023 Maui wildfires, further undermines claims of obstruction. In 2019, Hawaii's governor thanked her, posting, 'A big mahalo to @Oprah for giving @mauicounty access to your private road.'
A big mahalo to @Oprah for giving @mauicounty access to your private road for use to assist in the #Mauifire https://t.co/DPC6qkAGrq
— Office of the Governor, State of Hawai`i (@GovHawaii) July 12, 2019
Tensions Over Land and Celebrity Influence
The controversy reflects deeper frustrations over Maui's chronic housing shortage and large landholdings by wealthy figures like Winfrey, who owns nearly 1,000 acres, including a Kula ranch.
Residents have long criticised celebrities' influence, exacerbated by the 2023 Lahaina wildfire, which killed over 100 and worsened housing issues.
False claims during that crisis, including Winfrey hiring private firefighters, mirror the current misinformation.
X posts from @thebandit75 defended Winfrey, stating, 'Oprah did not close her private road in Hawaii during the tsunami warning on 29 July. In fact, she opened it to assist with evacuations.'
Amazing how rumors get started…Oprah did not close her private road in Hawaii during the tsunami warning on July 29. In fact, she opened it to assist with evacuations. Media outlets reported that she opened the road through her Maui estate to allow residents to higher grounds! https://t.co/kuVRnepZyC
— K🖤✌🏾 (@thebandit75) July 30, 2025
The tsunami's impact was minimal, with 5-foot waves in Kahului and no major damage reported by 30 July 2025, when warnings were downgraded.
Yet, the incident underscores how misinformation can amplify local grievances, with Winfrey's spokesperson affirming, 'The road will remain open as long as necessary.'
