Why Oprah Winfrey Is Facing Backlash After Hawaii Tsunami Alert?

American host and television producer Oprah Winfrey is facing intense criticism on social media after residents in Maui, Hawaii, claimed she hasn't opened her private road from Wailea to Kula amid a tsunami alert. The 8.7-magnitude earthquake near Russia triggered tsunami warnings across the Pacific, including Hawaii.

Locals argue that opening Oprah's road could ease evacuations from coastal areas to higher ground. As images of gridlocked roads spread, some users accused Winfrey of keeping her private access route closed.

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

I live down the street from Oprah’s gate on Maui, they opened the gate let a group through then closed it again. They didn’t let the black truck in while I was there. Maui Tsunami pic.twitter.com/Wr73xyzOsm

— Ellencomofitness (@ellenfitforever) July 30, 2025

Oprah Winfrey has refused to open her private road from Wailea to Kula, a route that could help coastal families reach safety as a tsunami approaches Maui.

Sirens are blaring while roads are clogged with vehicles, parents and children trapped in traffic trying to escape the… pic.twitter.com/OEl7kZwrUi

— Shadow of Ezra (@ShadowofEzra) July 30, 2025

People fleeing the tsunami on Maui are trapped in gridlock — a private road owned by @Oprah remains closed. In a crisis, every exit counts. It’s time to open the road and save lives. #Maui #TsunamiWarning pic.twitter.com/zXa96p5mcA

— RJ_02 (@PremKumarMeen12) July 30, 2025

🚨 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

“Im stuck with my… pic.twitter.com/UaPiDJpjqG

— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) July 30, 2025

With gridlocked roads reported across Maui, many on social media are demanding action from Winfrey. Posts with messages like "OPEN THE ROAD, @OPRAH!" are rapidly gaining traction.

Currently, these allegations remain unverified. Neither Oprah Winfrey nor her representatives have issued an official statement regarding the situation. Media outlets have also not confirmed these claims. This isn't the first time Winfrey's land ownership in Maui has been in the spotlight.

In previous instances, she has allowed access to this road during wildfire evacuations and has contributed donations to support local communities. As events continue to develop, residents and observers are urging for clearer communication and increased cooperation from public figures during crises.

As tsunami warnings persist, residents and emergency services are urging all possible routes to be made accessible to ensure public safety.