Maui, Hawaii — Media mogul Oprah Winfrey is once again stepping up for the island of Maui. Following a massive 8.8-magnitude earthquake near Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, tsunami waves began crashing into parts of Hawaii and the U.S. West Coast on July 29. In response, Winfrey granted public access to her private road in Upcountry Maui to support emergency tsunami evacuation efforts.
The unexpected quake — one of the strongest in modern history — triggered widespread tsunami alerts across the Pacific. Waves measuring over 5 feet hit Kahului in Maui, while coastal towns across Hilo, Oahu, and California reported water surges. Hawaii’s Emergency Management Agency activated multiple alerts, urging residents in high-risk areas to move inland or uphill.
Recognizing the urgent need for safe routes, Oprah Winfrey’s team worked closely with local authorities and FEMA to open her private road to the public. “The road will remain open for as long as it’s needed,” her spokesperson confirmed. Maui Police regulated traffic flow, allowing approximately 50 cars at a time to pass through safely.
Winfrey’s road, which leads to the Upcountry area near Haleakalā, provided a critical path for residents escaping low-lying zones vulnerable to flooding. Maui County officials publicly thanked her for her swift action during a potentially deadly event.
By 11 p.m. local time, the tsunami warning was downgraded, but advisories remained in effect. Experts warned that tsunamis can consist of multiple waves and have a prolonged impact depending on coastline geography and tidal patterns.
The U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center also reported that California, Oregon, and Washington experienced moderate wave activity. No severe damages have been recorded so far, but officials continue to caution the public to stay alert and away from the shoreline.
This isn’t the first time Oprah has supported Maui in a time of crisis. In 2023, she pledged a major donation following the devastating wildfires that destroyed parts of Lahaina. Her commitment to the island where she owns extensive property has been met with widespread praise.
