It was back in 1990 when Ernie Cruz, Jr. (vocals, guitar and bass) and Troy Fernandez (ukulele, vocals) formed a music group and became known as Ka’au Crater Boys.
The two both lived in Palolo Housing and grew up each other playing music, formed a group then known as ET and played at clubs and also were out surfing when they weren’t doing music.
The group changed their name from ET in fears they may be sued by the movie guys, so Ernie said, “I know a name, Ka’au Crater Boys!” because as the two were from Palolo, deep in the valley is the Ka’au Crater.
Ka’au Crater Boys would be produced by Roy Sakuma, a student and substitute instructor of ukulele legend, Ohta-san (Herb Ohta) and best known as a ukulele teacher and the founder of the Annual Ukulele Festival Hawaii.
The group was a winner of three Na Hoku Hanohano Awards, the duo are known as one of the most successful groups in contemporary Hawaiian music.
And the Ka’au Crater Boys were there with the resurgence of interest in local Hawaiian customs and the renaissance of Hawaiian culture among youth.
But all good things come to an end and before recording their debut album “Tropical Hawaiian Day”, Ernie Cruz Jr. told his partner that “one day I want to do other things” and sure enough, during the group’s peak and right before they were getting booked for “The David Letterman Show”, Cruz Jr. felt it was time for him to do something else. And it was the end of Ka’au Crater Boys.
With four albums and one best album, many have hoped for a reunion of the Ka’au Crater Boys. But unfortunately, in September 2016, as Ernie Cruz Jr. was swimming at Sandy Beach, he was found by Ocean Safety officials 125 yards off shore. While Cruz Jr. was in critical condition, he was taken to the hospital where he passed away.
For those wondering what was my first Hawaiian album that I bought, it was Ka’au Crater Boys’ “Making Waves”, the group’s final original album.
One thing I loved about Ka’au Crater Boys music is the balance. You have a balance of Hawaiian music sung in Hawaiian and you also have songs where the group are jamming and singing in English (for those wondering, there are more songs in English than songs sung in Hawaiian)
I absolutely love the harmony with not just voices but Cruz Jr.’s, guitar playing and Troy Fernandez’ ukulele playing.
I absolute love the songs “Hualalai”, “Pane Mai”, “Honolulu Baby”, “West Maui Mountains” and “He ‘Ono”.
Ka’au Crater Boy’s “Making Waves” is no doubt music made with true aloha and I will always be nostalgic as the group would inspire me to listen and discover more Hawaiian music but also enjoy the culture and learn more of the old traditions.
