On July 29, 2025, Oprah Winfrey opened her private four-mile road in Maui, Hawaii, connecting Wailea to Kula, following intense public outcry as residents faced gridlock evacuating low-lying areas during a tsunami advisory triggered by an 8.7-magnitude earthquake off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula. The road, a paved 12-foot-wide stretch on Haleakala Ranch land, has been a point of contention since its 2010 construction, with locals long advocating for public access to ease Central Maui’s traffic congestion. Winfrey, who owns 1,000 acres in Kula, had previously opened the road during the 2019 Maui wildfires, earning praise from Governor David Ige.
This time, videos of traffic jams fueled public demands for access, with some claiming the road could be a “lifeline” to higher ground. Maui County Emergency Management confirmed Winfrey granted access to officials late Tuesday, though initial confusion persisted about public use. The county clarified the road was opened to residents by 10 p.m., aiding evacuations as waves up to six feet were expected. Critics, including local advocates, argue the road’s private status highlights broader issues of land access in Hawaii, where Winfrey’s $60 million estate includes vast holdings.
Winfrey’s decision, while welcomed, reignited debate over her land stewardship. Supporters note her employment of local workers and conservation efforts, while detractors cite restricted access as emblematic of elite privilege. The tsunami advisory, lifted early Wednesday, caused no major damage, but the incident underscores ongoing tensions over private land use during emergencies.
