Tropical Hawaiian Day (1991)
Valley Style (1993)
On Fire (1995)
Making Waves (1996)
The Best Of Ka'au Crater Boys (1998)
Their work garnered them three Nā Hōkū Hanohano awards, (Nā Hōkū Hanohano means "The Distinguished/Glorious Stars", Hawaii's version of the Grammy Awards) from the Hawai'i Academy of Recording Arts.
The Kaʻau Crater Boys were formed in the early 1990s by Ernie Cruz Jr. (the son of Ernie Cruz Sr. and brother of Guy and John Cruz who are also local entertainers) and Troy Fernandez.
Their first album, “Tropical Hawaiian Day,” released in 1991, marked the official beginning of Troy and Ernie’s 7-year partnership as one of the most successful groups in contemporary island music.
Cruz played bass, acoustic guitar and handled main vocals for the majority of songs they recorded. Fernandez also played bass, contributed to vocals (mainly as a backing vocalist), but was mostly renowned for his musicianship with the ukulele.
The creation of the Kaʻau Crater Boys also coincided with the resurgence in local Hawaiian customs and tradition, as well as promoting the renaissance of Hawaiian culture, especially among the local youth.
As part of a collective of artists from the Palolo Housing area of Oahu, Hawaii Cruz and Fernandez earned a steady gig at the Elks Lodge which also opened the door for Troy and Ernie to tour Japan for 6 months.
A last minute appearance a few years later at Moose McGillycuddy’s Pub became a regular gig - this time as “E.T.,” “Ernie/Troy” (a play on names after the popular film, “ET – The Extra-Terrestrial”).
Ernie Cruz died in September 2016.
The name Kaʻau Crater Boys refers to Kaʻau Crater, an extinct volcano above the Palolo Valley of Oahu, near to the Palolo housing community in which Cruz and Fernandez were raised.
---------------
From the vibrantly produced debut album, Tropical Hawaiian Day, to the magical sounds of their fourth release, "Making Waves", the Ka'au Crater Boys have become one of Hawaii's hottest duos in contemporary Hawaiian music.
The Ka'au Crater Boys distinctive and appealing sound reflects their love of Hawaii and of their favorite non-musical activity, surfing -- creating a new breed of Hawaiian music. They've formed a fresh blend of guitar and ukulele completely different from other contemporary local artists, sparking a new artistic style where the original material is insightful and more reflective of the Hawaiian lifestyle. Cruz's powerful easy rhythms and Fernandez' distinctive ukulele technique, make for a truly magical sound. Their songs are a mixture of Hawaiian standards, country oldies, pop, reggae and their own originals.
Their debut album, Tropical Hawaiian Day, garnered a strong local following. Their second album, Valley Style, served notice that Cruz and Fernandez were outstanding artists as they were honored with the 1994 Hoku for Contemporary Album of the Year (Hawaii's Grammy equivalent). Fernandez' "Surf" was a highlight on this album and is still a favorite among their fans. Their third album, On Fire!, won them the Contemporary Album Hoku for the second year in a row. Their recording of "Opihi Man" a catchy ode to challenging and sometimes life-threatening work of the opihi pickers, earned Big Island composer Craig Kamahele "Song of the Year" honors as well. Their fourth release, Making Waves brings their two loves together, music and surfing. It offers two renditions of "Makaha", one representing the Ka'au sound, while the other hints of rock that could be called Hawaiian Rock.
Skilled at playing bass and acoustic guitar, Cruz is the son of famous Hawaiian musician Ernie Cruz, Sr. and brother to popular solo entertainer, John Cruz. Fernandez, a master on his ukulele and bass, performs with wizardry and vitality. He has become a key figure in the resurgence of interest in the ukulele, causing such a stir among young kids that like the old days way back when, it's not uncommon to see kids playing ukulele as they stroll down the street or make their way between classes at school.
Raised in the verdant valley of Palolo on Oahu, the Ka'au Crater Boys began their musical roots in Palolo Housing. The Boys are an inspiration to local kids hanging out with idle time and uncertain futures. The Boys drive home the lesson that an inexpensive guitar or ukulele can be the key to a positive and productive life. A new generation of aspiring musicians now turn up at Ka'au Crater Boys concerts to watch and learn from them. "Most of our songs, anybody can do 'em" We tell the kids that," says Fernandez. Cruz emphasizes simplicity: "People like simple things if they're done right."
Ka'au Crater Boys . . . local boys who love music, surfing and Hawaii. A simple combination, done right!
Carly Rose
Ka'au Crater Boys Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
She is the sweetest thing no matter where she goes
I think of her with tenderness and so much love inside
She's such a joy and fills me up with pride
And she calls me Kako my little Hawaiian girl
She dances to my music with the cutest ehu curls
When I see her my little darling she always makes my day
A baby thats so precious in each and every way
He pepe li'ili'i kapa ia o Carly Rose
He pua lahilahi I ka nana aku no
No na ku'u halia aloha ke aloha make mae
Hau'oli no'o loko ha'aheo ho'i wau
Hea ku'u lei a Kako Me ka hula ana mai
Ku'u wele mai ke oho I lei po'o ehu e
Ke ike au ia pepe he malu ho'i wau
He lei hiwa hiwa e lei mau ai
And she calls me Kako my little Hawaiian girl
She dances to my music with the cutest ehu curls
When I see her my little darling she always makes my day
A baby thats so precious in each and every way
A baby thats so precious in each and every way
The song "Carly Rose" by Ka'au Crater Boys is a sweet and heartfelt tribute to a little baby named Carly Rose. The singer expresses his love and admiration for her in every verse, describing her as the sweetest thing and a source of pride and joy. The lyrics depict Carly Rose as a happy and carefree baby who dances to the singer's music with "cute ehu curls," bringing happiness to everyone around her.
The singer affectionately refers to Carly Rose as "Kako," his little Hawaiian girl, which may reflect his cultural identity and connection to the Hawaiian community. The song also highlights the singer's appreciation for the preciousness of life and the special role that children play in bringing joy and happiness into the world.
Line by Line Meaning
A baby thats so precious in each and every way
This little baby Carly Rose is extremely precious to me and brings so much joy to my life in every aspect imaginable.
Now there's a little baby her name is Carly Rose
I have a sweet and adorable little baby in my life named Carly Rose who I love dearly and cherish above all else.
She is the sweetest thing no matter where she goes
Carly Rose is always the epitome of sweetness, no matter where she goes or what she's doing.
I think of her with tenderness and so much love inside
Whenever I think of my little Carly Rose, my heart is filled with tenderness and an overwhelming amount of love for her.
She's such a joy and fills me up with pride
Carly Rose is a constant source of joy and happiness in my life, and I am so proud to have her as a part of it.
And she calls me Kako my little Hawaiian girl
When little Carly Rose affectionately calls me Kako, it warms my heart and reminds me of our special bond and my love for my Hawaiian heritage.
She dances to my music with the cutest ehu curls
Watching Carly Rose dance to my music with her adorable ehu curls brings me immense delight and reminds me of the beauty and innocence of childhood.
When I see her my little darling she always makes my day
Just seeing Carly Rose, my precious little darling, brightens up my entire day and fills me with so much love and happiness.
Contributed by Julia S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@sarahward9564
Now there's a little baby her name is Carly Rose
She is the sweetest thing no matter where she goes
I think of her with tenderness and so much love inside
She's such a joy and fills me up with pride
And she calls me Kako my little Hawaiian girl
She dances to my music with the cutest ehu curls
When I see her my little darling she always makes my day
A baby that's so precious in each and every way
He pepe li'ili'i kapa ia o Carly Rose
He pua lahilahi I ka nana aku no
No na ku'you halia aloha ke aloha make mae
Hau'oli no'o loko ha'aheo ho'i wau
Hea ku'you lei a Kakome ka hula ana mai
Ku'you wele mai ke oho I lei po'o ehu e
Ke ike au ia pepe he malu ho'i wau
He lei hiwa hiwa e lei mau ai
And she calls me Kako my little Hawaiian girl
She dances to my music with the cutest ehu curls
When I see her my little darling she always makes my day
A baby that's so precious in each and every way
A baby that's so precious in each and every way
@rightguard5469
So glad my boyfriend showed me this song, his family is from Hawaii, and definitely some of the best music I've ever listened to❤
@BlackyKekaulua-oj4nf
Get plenty more where that came from
@jeffhuxford2870
I used to sing this to my daughter when she was 3…she used to sing along…now she is 17…hoping she remembers this as fondly as I do…such a great song!
@LameUser606
My cousin passed away and this was his favorite song he would sing and drink to this RIP JD
@sharonmaxcy225
My daughter in law is hawaian and introduced me to this song as she sings it to my granddaughter. Such a beautiful song!!
@kay-c5152
I'm only 16 and I grew up listing to all the Hawaiian greats. It's too bad some of them had to leave too early. Rip uncle Ernie
@Verbally.autistic
u go liberty high?
@arnoldstollar5375
Da Kanaks Ernie Cruz drowns.
Sandy Beach. No job. No money. Drugs.
@HawaiiMusicSchool
@@arnoldstollar5375 Ernie was a Stevedore...Supervisor actually. He had money, and no he didn't do drugs... unless you count awa. He was a dear friend, so forgive me for correcting you from crapping on his legacy.
@javanautski
They left for a better gig!