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!
Opihi Man
Ka'au Crater Boys Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
White water coming, no foolin` around
Opihi man in the sun. Opihi man grab your bag and run
Opihi man another swell is coming your way
Opihi man another swell is coming your way
Gotta fill up your bag, with the yellow and black
Keep your eye on the wave, don`t ever turn your back
Opihi man another swell is coming your way
Opihi man another swell is coming your way
Instrumental
Like the crab on the rock, you gotta run real fast
Keep your eye on the wave, don`t ever turn your back
Opihi man in the sun. Opihi man grab your bag and run
Opihi man another swell is coming your way
Opihi man another swell is coming your way
Instrumental
Verse 1
Instrumental
The song "Opihi Man" by Ka'au Crater Boys is an upbeat tune that talks about the dangers of collecting opihi, a type of sea snail found in Hawaii. The lyrics describe the urgency of getting to high ground before the white water comes, which can be interpreted as a metaphor for the sudden and dangerous waves that can occur when collecting opihi. The chorus repeats the warning that another swell is coming, emphasizing the need for the "Opihi Man" to be prepared and vigilant.
The lyrics also provide advice for collecting opihi, such as filling up your bag with the yellow and black snails and always keeping your eyes on the waves, never turning your back. The reference to the crab on the rock and its need to run real fast, also emphasizes the danger and urgency of collecting opihi. The song has an instrumental break that allows for the listener to take in the warning and advice, before jumping back into the chorus.
Overall, "Opihi Man" can be seen as a cautionary tale about the importance of being prepared and alert when venturing out into the ocean. It also pays homage to the traditional Hawaiian practice of collecting opihi, which has been a significant part of Hawaiian culture for centuries.
Line by Line Meaning
Sounds like thunder, gotta head for the high ground
The danger is approaching, we need to protect ourselves by moving to higher ground.
White water coming, no foolin` around
The waves are powerful and dangerous, we should take them seriously.
Opihi man in the sun. Opihi man grab your bag and run
The Opihi man is enjoying himself in the sun but he should quickly pack his bag and prepare to leave.
Opihi man another swell is coming your way
Another wave is coming towards the Opihi man and he needs to be prepared.
Gotta fill up your bag, with the yellow and black
The Opihi man needs to fill his bag with the yellow and black opihi shells to ensure he has enough food.
Keep your eye on the wave, don`t ever turn your back
The Opihi man should always keep an eye on the waves, and never turn his back to them or he could be in danger.
Like the crab on the rock, you gotta run real fast
The Opihi man needs to be fast like a crab running on a rock to avoid the strong waves.
Opihi man in the sun. Opihi man grab your bag and run
The Opihi man may be enjoying himself in the sun, but he needs to remember to pack his bag and leave quickly.
Opihi man another swell is coming your way
Another wave is on its way, and the Opihi man needs to be aware of the danger.
Contributed by Molly L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@rikanaka
Reminds me of my uncle who used to get the biggest opihi, up to 4" across, near Kealia on Kauai, usinged knee/elbow pads/neoprene diver's boots to wedge himself into the rocks to avoid getting swept out by big surf, and a paint scraper to harvest the opihi. Some opihi he watched for months, in the places where the surf and conditions were the most hazardous, waiting for the lowest tides and calmest conditions. He was a true opihi man who died of old age, not opihi-picking.
@russia1305
True man!
@liamroberts422
Now that is a true hawaiian. Love that story
@w1ve190
Uncle was one 🔨
@beebeemoreno
Kauai had the biggest opihi...
@2nearalki306
RIP Uncle
@kanakamaoli1352
Bring back so many memories when I was young. picking opihi's down kakaako waterfront. Rest in Paradise "Braddah Ernie".
@brittskeeify
this is what real music is only in Hawaii.... rest in love to Hawaii's music legend Ernie
@garysmith5781
Working a construction job down here in Key West FL. A little hawaiian flavor never hurt. I miss the Islands. At least I can have da kine music where ever I go. ☺
@redkei
I think everyone did this song for mayday at least once.