(Maui Tsunami) On July 29, 2025, a massive 8.8-magnitude earthquake off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula triggered tsunami warnings across the Pacific, sending Hawaii into a state of emergency. As residents of Maui scrambled to evacuate coastal areas for higher ground, severe traffic gridlock paralyzed major highways, amplifying fear and frustration. Amid the chaos, a firestorm erupted on X, with users alleging that Oprah Winfrey’s private road, a potential lifeline connecting Wailea to Kula, was initially blocked, preventing residents from escaping the impending tsunami. Videos circulating on the platform appeared to show a closed gate, fueling public outrage before the road was eventually opened.
🚨 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
Social Media Sparks Controversy about Maui Tsunami
As tsunami sirens blared and evacuation orders were issued, X became a real-time outlet for residents to share their experiences. Posts described bumper-to-bumper traffic on Maui’s Veterans Highway and other routes, with some users claiming they were stuck for hours. One user, @SantaSurfing, posted at 8:08 a.m. EDT on July 30, 2025, “This is why people couldn’t get through…it was blocked,” accompanied by a video showing a closed gate, purportedly Oprah’s private road, with police present but no vehicles moving through. Another user, @anaveragegeorge, wrote, “People in Maui are now going OFF ROAD to escape the imminent tsunami… Oprah Winfrey is REFUSING to open her private road. People are UNABLE to get to higher ground,” alongside a video of gridlocked traffic and sirens.
The allegations spread rapidly, with users like @kilroyJC claiming at 5:44 a.m. EDT, “Oprah’s road was blocked to evacuees by police,” and @HattersonFord noting at 3:01 a.m. EDT, “Heard the gridlock was due to Oprah’s road (the shortest route to higher ground) was closed.” A particularly emotional post from a user identifying as Shelby Hosana read, “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 we still have time to get to higher ground.” These posts, some garnering thousands of views, painted a picture of desperation and pointed fingers at Winfrey for allegedly delaying access to a critical evacuation route.
The Road in Question
Oprah Winfrey, a part-time Maui resident, owns nearly 1,000 acres of land, including a private road that runs from Wailea to Kula, near Haleakala Ranch. This road, approximately 4 miles long and gated, is typically closed to the public. During past emergencies, such as the 2019 and 2023 Maui wildfires, Winfrey opened the road to aid evacuations, earning praise from local authorities. Given this history, X users expressed shock and anger when early reports suggested the road remained closed during the tsunami crisis. A video shared by @nicksortor at 7:56 p.m. EDT on July 29 showed a man narrating, “Look at this. I think they’re trying to open Oprah’s road… Cops trying to open it. Nope, still closed,” as vehicles idled nearby.
Official Response and Road Opening
The backlash on X prompted swift clarification from authorities and Winfrey’s team. By 7:16 p.m. HST on July 29, the Maui Police Department issued a statement: “Maui Veterans Highway is congested; use Cane Haul Road toward Hansen and Pulehu roads to get to Kula… Also, Oprah’s road is open to get Upcountry.” Winfrey’s spokesperson told multiple outlets, including Newsweek, “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.” A later post by @nicksortor at 4:09 a.m. EDT on July 30 confirmed, “Following INTENSE public pressure, Oprah’s private road has been OPENED… if you’re in Wailea on Maui and need to get to higher ground, USE OPRAH’S ROAD NOW!”
Despite the road being opened, some X users remained skeptical. @J3XVIesv posted at 12:35 a.m. EDT, “The road is still closed. If Oprah gave permission to be open then people would be using it at this moment.” Others, like @Old__Cow at 9:35 a.m. EDT, acknowledged the opening but criticized the initial delay, stating, “Only following public outcry, did Oprah’s team & police open the road & manage traffic.”
Maui Tsunami Context of the Crisis
The tsunami warning, issued after the earthquake struck Russia, led to waves reaching Hawaii by 7:17 p.m. HST, with recorded heights of 5.7 feet in Kahului and 4.9 feet in Hilo. Maui’s coastal highways, already strained by rush-hour traffic, became overwhelmed as residents fled. The closure of commercial harbors and cancellation of flights at Kahului Airport further complicated Maui tsunami evacuation efforts. Governor Josh Green emphasized the severity of the situation, urging residents to stay away from shorelines until an all-clear was given. The eventual downgrading of the tsunami warning to an advisory alleviated some fears, but the initial panic underscored the importance of accessible evacuation routes.
Mixed Narratives and Public Sentiment
The controversy over Oprah’s road highlights the power of social media in shaping narratives during emergencies. While early X posts and videos fueled perceptions of inaction, official statements and later updates confirmed the road was opened promptly, mirroring Winfrey’s actions in past crises. The confusion may stem from the time it took to coordinate with law enforcement and FEMA, compounded by the chaotic ground situation. Posts on X reflected a mix of frustration, fear, and eventual relief, with some users praising the community’s pressure for prompting action, as seen in @SantaSurfing’s post: “Thank you everyone for your help to get this road opened!”
The incident also reignited scrutiny of Winfrey’s land ownership in Maui, which spans nearly 1,000 acres. Her high-profile status made her a focal point for criticism, despite her history of community support. As one user, @santhoshd, cautioned at 11:26 p.m. EDT on July 29, “No proof: ‘Oprah Winfrey refused to open private road’… If you want to make wild claims, at least use old clips or AI.” This skepticism underscores the challenge of verifying real-time information during a crisis.
Conclusion
The tsunami evacuation in Maui on July 29, 2025, exposed the raw emotions and logistical challenges of a natural disaster. X posts and videos capturing gridlocked roads and an initially closed gate on Oprah Winfrey’s private road sparked widespread outrage, amplifying residents’ fears as they faced a potential tsunami. While the road was ultimately opened, allowing safer passage to higher ground, the initial perception of delay left a mark on public sentiment. The episode serves as a reminder of the critical role of communication and cooperation in emergencies, as well as the double-edged sword of social media in shaping public discourse.
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