Panicked scenes spread across the Hawaiian Islands on Tuesday afternoon, as a massive earthquake struck off the coast of Russia, measuring at an 8.7 on the Richter scale, and sent potential tsunami waves hurtling across the Pacific Ocean. All residents of Hawaii were ordered to seek higher ground immediately.
On Maui, some sought safety on the $100 million property owned by media mogul, Oprah Winfrey. The land has a private road, which runs inland. However, according to some social media reports, note everyone was granted access.
And Oprah’s team claimed otherwise.
🚨 INSANE: MAUI POLICE were present STOPPING Hawaii tsunami evacuees from using Oprah’s Road before she FINALLY relented to pressure and opened it
For those asking why people didn’t just break open the gates themselves, THAT’S why.
It had police protection.
Infuriating. pic.twitter.com/RRv6uJiFXc
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) July 30, 2025
“Damn, Oprah. Open the road and save us,” one Maui resident showing gridlock outside the gates posted. He continued: “Look at this, they’re trying to open the road. Come on, Oprah, save us! She got that road all the way up country, all to herself. Cops are trying to get in. Nope! Still closed. Man…she got her own road all the way up Wailea, all the way up country, which is the safe zone, and she won’t even save us. We’re still stuck. And a tsunami is coming.”
Another post showed some cars getting access, and others being blocked.
Related: Tsunami Waves Hit Japan, Russia After Massive Earthquake (Video)
Combatting the claims, a spokesperson for Oprah said this: “As soon as we heard the tsunami warnings, we contacted local law enforcement and FEMA to ensure the road was opened. Any other reports are otherwise false. Local law enforcement are currently on site helping residents through 50 cars at a time to ensure everyone’s safety. The road will remain open as long as necessary.”
Additionally, in an emergency alert from Maui County, they wrote: “Oprah’s road is open to get Upcountry, according to Maui Police Department.”
In the end, however, the Hawaiian Islands were spared from any serious tsunami damage resulting from the supersized earthquake off Russia. Stay tuned for more official tsunami updates and warnings from NOAA here.
Related: Tsunami Watch Issued for Hawaii, West Coast After 8.7 Earthquake Off Russia