Locked Gate Sparks Tsunami Panic: The Truth Behind Oprah Winfrey’s Maui Road Controversy
As tsunami warnings blared across Hawaii following a massive 8.8-magnitude earthquake near Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, fear and urgency gripped the islands.
In the midst of frantic evacuations, a single locked gate on a road crossing Oprah Winfrey’s Maui estate ignited a wildfire of social media outrage — sparking accusations that the billionaire had deliberately blocked a critical escape route.
But was the gate truly closed, or was this just another case of misinformation swirling in the chaos?
The drama unfolded as locals and tourists raced to higher ground, desperate to outrun the approaching tsunami waves. Viral clips circulating on X (formerly Twitter) showed frustrated drivers stuck behind a locked gate, with one bystander imploring, “C’mon, Oprah, save us.
The cops are trying to open it. Nope, still closed.” The video quickly fueled a narrative that Oprah was withholding access to Thompson Road — a route that could offer a lifeline to safety.
Outrage poured in. Social media users blamed Winfrey for the gridlock, insisting that the private road cutting through her Kula property was unfairly kept shut, potentially endangering lives. “Why won’t Oprah open her road? It could be the fastest way out,” one post read, as panic spread online.
Yet the truth was more nuanced. Investigations by Hawaii News Now and NBC News clarified that Thompson Road is a public thoroughfare passing through Winfrey’s land, not a private, locked-off escape route. More importantly, Maui Police confirmed that the road had been opened during the evacuation, allowing vehicles to pass safely.
Shortly after, posts from users on X helped set the record straight. Nick Sortor tweeted: “BREAKING: Oprah’s road is OPEN and being used for tsunami evacuation.
Use Haleakala Ranch Rd if you’re in Wailea.” Official police bulletins reinforced this, advising evacuees to take alternative routes due to congestion and confirming Oprah’s road was part of the evacuation plan.
Addressing the rumors directly, Oprah’s spokesperson told Newsweek, “We coordinated with local authorities as soon as tsunami warnings were issued to ensure this road was accessible. Any claims to the contrary are false.” They added that law enforcement was actively managing traffic on the route to ensure safety and orderly passage.
The earthquake’s impact stretched far beyond Hawaii, triggering tsunami advisories across the Pacific rim—from California to Japan, Russia, and numerous island nations. While some infrastructure damage was reported near the quake’s epicenter in Russia, fortunately no casualties were confirmed.
Final Takeaway
What began as viral anger over a locked gate was ultimately dispelled by facts and official accounts. Oprah Winfrey’s Maui road was open, actively helping residents and visitors flee danger during Hawaii’s tense tsunami evacuation.
This episode highlights the speed at which panic and misinformation can spiral online during emergencies—and the vital need for clear, verified communication. In times of crisis, safety hinges not just on open roads but on truth and trust.