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!
Under The Boardwalk
Ka'au Crater Boys Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And your shoes get so hot, you wish your tired feet were fire-proof
Under the boardwalk, down by the sea
On a blanket with my baby, that's where I'll be
From the park you'll hear the happy sounds of a carousel
You can almost taste those hot dogs and french fries they sell
Under the boardwalk, down by the sea
Bridge:
Under the boardwalk, out of the sun
Under the boardwalk, we'll be having some fun
Under the boardwalk, people walking above
Under the boardwalk, we'll be falling in love
Under the board-walk, board-walk
(Repeat 2nd verse)
Bridge:
The Ka'au Crater Boys' rendition of "Under the Boardwalk" is a highly romanticized and buoyant version of the original song by The Drifters. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a hot summer day, where the heat causes the asphalt to melt, and the only refuge is to go "under the boardwalk, down by the sea." Here, the singer can enjoy the sounds of a carousel, indulge in some hot dogs and French fries, and spend time with their lover. The imagery of the boardwalk and the beach captures the nostalgic essence of summertime and young love.
As the singer sings about the boardwalk, they invite the listener to join them in their romantic escapade, promising fun, love, and joy. The chorus highlights the carefree nature of the spot under the boardwalk, where people can escape the scorching sun and have a good time. The bridge of the song reiterates this sentiment as the couple seeks shelter from the sun, has some fun, and ultimately falls in love.
Overall, the song creates an idyllic picture of young love in the summer, and the Ka'au Crater Boys' version amplifies the romantic and exuberant spirit of the original song.
Line by Line Meaning
When the sun beats down, and melts the tar upon the roof
During hot weather, the sun can melt tar on rooftops.
And your shoes get so hot, you wish your tired feet were fire-proof
The heat can make shoes hot and uncomfortable, making you wish for fire-proof feet to avoid the discomfort.
Under the boardwalk, down by the sea
Going under the boardwalk by the ocean.
On a blanket with my baby, that's where I'll be
Sitting on a blanket with a loved one.
From the park you'll hear the happy sounds of a carousel
The song describes the sound of a nearby carousel in the park.
You can almost taste those hot dogs and french fries they sell
Implies the presence of a boardwalk with tasty food vendors.
Under the boardwalk, down by the sea
Reiterating being under the boardwalk by the ocean.
On a blanket with my baby, that's where I'll be
Reiterating sitting on a blanket with a loved one.
Under the boardwalk, out of the sun
Describing the relief from the hot sun under the boardwalk.
Under the boardwalk, we'll be having some fun
Describing the enjoyable experience of being under the boardwalk.
Under the boardwalk, people walking above
Acknowledging the people walking on the boardwalk above.
Under the boardwalk, we'll be falling in love
Implying that being under the boardwalk with someone special can lead to falling in love.
Under the board-walk, board-walk
Repeating the title phrase.
Contributed by Colin H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@johnfitzgeraldkennedy5265
When the sun beats down and burns the tar up on the rooooof.
When your shoes get so hot you wish your tired feet were fire prooooof.
Under the boardwalk, down by the seeeeeeaaa, yeah, on a blanket with my baby that’s where I'll be.
From the park you’ll hear the happy sound of the carousel.
You can almost taste the hot dogs and french fries they sell.
Under the boardwalk, down by the seeeeeeeaaa, yeah
On a blanket with my baby that’s where I'll be
(Under the boardwalk) Out of the sun
(Under the boardwalk) We'll be havin' some fun
(Under the boardwalk) People walking abOOOOve
(Under the boardwalk) We'll be fallin' in love
(Under the boardwalk, boardwalk)
Huh!
(yo bois instrumental break)
From it the park you hear the happy sound of the carousel
You can almost taste the hot dogs and french fries they sell
(Under the boardwalk) down by the sea, yeah
On a blanket with my baby that’s where I'll be
(Under the boardwalk) Out of the sun
(Under the boardwalk) We'll be havin' some fun
(Under the boardwalk) People walking above
(Under the boardwalk) We'll be fallin' in love
(Under the boardwalk, boardwalk)
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOooooooooooooooooooooo
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOoooooooohioyipkg
Under the boardwalk down by the sea, yeah
On a blanket with my baby that’s where I'll be
(Under the boardwalk) Out of the sun
(Underestimate the boardwalk) We'll be havin' some fun
(Under the boardwalk) People walking above
(Under the boardwalk) We'll be Honi honi
(Under the boardwalk, boardwalk)
Kole Aloha!
@valerielee5879
RIP Ernie! Mahalo for the wonderful memories!
@gablack1050
Brings back all the best memories of the time I got to spend in perhaps the most beautiful place on the planet!
@andreaaldeguer9666
Makes me sad I ever left
@Pswizz0
R. I.P Ernie you & Troy were great together thank you for giving us some great music and being apart of my childhood.
@swayzekaaihue7446
Legends💯
@AnatoliyAlexandrovic
One of the best performances!
@bluemiskitu
Man really make me so Ill I need to go back Home.... :)) Thanks for sharing such master piece with good flavor mix with Caribbean beat~touch!
@kahakaikahoiwai6171
Yesssuh them old jams
@cdawg808734
grandma's songs bring back memories
@marksakihara7029
one of best versions of this song