False claims that Oprah Winfrey blocked access to a private road in Maui during a tsunami warning have been debunked. The road, often called 'Oprah's road,' is not owned by Winfrey but by Haleakalā Ranch, a family-owned property. The ranch made the road accessible to the public shortly after the tsunami warning was issued.
Following a magnitude 8.8 earthquake off Russia, tsunami warnings were issued for Hawaii. Social media posts alleged Winfrey refused to open the road for evacuations. However, Haleakalā Ranch contacted local fire and emergency services at 3pm local time, and the road was opened by 5pm. Ranch personnel helped evacuate 150 to 200 vehicles until 7pm.
Winfrey has an easement agreement with the ranch and paved the road as part of it. Her representative stated the decision to open the road was made quickly with local officials. Maui County confirmed the road was accessible in press releases at 7pm and 9.30pm.
This is not the first time false claims have targeted Winfrey. During the 2023 Maui wildfires, social media users falsely accused her of hiring private firefighters and blocking access. Winfrey later donated $10m to the People's Fund for Maui, which raised nearly $60m.
