Crying! Lived Kauai '88-'15. I was a 23 year old kid when I landed and 50 years old when I left. I came with a backpack,$300, some carpentry skills and my harmonicas! Nani Kauai and the deep aloha of her people lifted me up. The stars in the sky at night filled me with joy. I lived on the West side (I performed there as Westside Smitty and even when I got back to the mainland, I just couldn't part with the name!). I want my ashes scattered at Polihale. I still go back at night in my dreams. I still hear the Shama bird's incomparable song-they used to come and listen when I played my guitar. I still treasure memories of the scent of Plumeria blossoms that withered almost ten years ago.
It brings tears to my eyes. It makes me remember my visits to Hawaii and how, even though it’s visually spectacular, it’s her people that make her so special. Pictures don’t capture her spirit, the culture, the honor of the Hawaiian people. This song is closer than anything I’ve encountered to capturing that blessed spirit of a beautiful people and their culture.
Glad to know I’m not the only one who tears up! Was stationed there 3 yrs and it was the best times of my life. Met and married my wife there and we just went back for the first time 5 months ago. It’d been 37 yrs. We didn’t realize how much we missed it.
Being a Hawaiian and often being stationed all over during my time in service before I retired. I always levitated to back home in the island braddah 🤙🏽
All I can say is that I feel blessed to live on Maui with my family...whenever I leave...I am so ready to come back...and this song will take anyone away from the islands back home. Mahalo for this song John!
I Almost Cried Listening To This Song For The First Time In Years , Brings Back Great Memories Of Growing Up Here In Hawaii In The 80’s & 90’s ! It Makes Me Sad That My Children Live A Different Life Now Here In Oahu They We Used To Live Back Then 💯 Return To Our Former Ways Of The Past In The Spirit Of Aloha And Ohana
First came across this song when visiting Hawaii in 1997 when it wa a brand new. Fell in love with the song. Been with me ever since. Come from an island myself. Touches the heart . Remember Ernie too ❤️
I met my sweet love Mark in front of the library in Lahaina in 1975. The library is now gone (burned in the fire, not replaced yet I don't think). We said Aloha in Lahaina and I came back to California (northern, I'm not from LA) and this song took me back to those lovely days (and nights) we spent together.
I'm not sure what I should write. This is a wonderful song. We were in Hawaii for 3 weeks in 2018, and everytime when I hear this song, I'm going back to the islands in my mind. Better days then....
My son had me give a listen to this. He has great taste in music and has introduced me to many wonderful songs. So happy to add this to the list. Such a pleasant song. 🎆
This song always reminds me of my childhood… what a beautiful song that was written thank you! I will always be reminded of my culture, happiness, and what I was taught from my makuahine ❤️🌺
My parents are from HI & I have tons of family in HI. I also danced the hula. I was just thinking that I got to grow up in the best time. HI is not the same as it was back in the 70’s & 80’s.
Yep so fun to start out with the familiar images of Kauai....so nice, and they all over the islands. This really does show and feel what it is like to live in Hawaii. It is a very special place.
I lived in Hawaii for a few years over 20 years ago and to this day I still the know the words to this song. I’m not Hawaiian and not from Hawaii but for some reason this song stuck to me.
I used to live in Hawai'i, on the Island of O'ahu, by the Moana Lua Valley. I have been all over the Island on my motorcycle and in our van. I watch this video and in the back of my mind I think I can just walk outside our door and it will all be the same. But it's not. We live in Texas now. Our job brought us here. Don't get me wrong, we love Texas and if we were to retire on the Mainland Texas would be our number 1 choice. But I will never forget what I had even though I took so much for granted. Now I miss it and know what I lost.
Just watched 'NCIS: Hawaii'....yup, first episode kinda sucks, but it brought me this song, so very much worthwhile.... Yoram Benz, thank ya for posting
Yes, I have been there, on military duty, and a DEEP regret is I did not "island hop". But I have had DREAMS that I have been to the other islands. And it was unreal.
I can't believe I haven't commented on this video. I've watched this video over and over again, I don't know how many times, and I thought I had already commented but I guess not. This is an awesome song and video. Love it! Hawai'i is my garden of Eden. I love my home.
i miss my home and my ohana. i need to go back to oahu. imma always be an island girl cuz you can take the girl off the island but you cant take the island outta the girl. mahalo for dis brudda.
🕊❤️🤟🏼bless my beloveds I. THE ALLLLLLLMIGHTY NAME OF CHRIST JESUUUUUUS THE LION OF THEE TRIBE OF JUIUUUDAH BLESS MY BELOVEDS ISLANDERS IN THE MANY MEMBERED BODY OF CHRIST JESUS LOVES TO THE EKKLESIA OUT THAT WAY I LOVES THIS SONG ITS PRETTY ITS BEAUTIFUL AND ITS STRONG TOTALLY PLEASENT AND I LIKE THAT
Crying! Lived Kauai '88-'15. I was a 23 year old kid when I landed and 50 years old when I left. I came with a backpack,$300, some carpentry skills and my harmonicas! Nani Kauai and the deep aloha of her people lifted me up. The stars in the sky at night filled me with joy. I lived on the West side (I performed there as Westside Smitty and even when I got back to the mainland, I just couldn't part with the name!). I want my ashes scattered at Polihale. I still go back at night in my dreams. I still hear the Shama bird's incomparable song-they used to come and listen when I played my guitar. I still treasure memories of the scent of Plumeria blossoms that withered almost ten years ago.
It brings tears to my eyes. It makes me remember my visits to Hawaii and how, even though it’s visually spectacular, it’s her people that make her so special. Pictures don’t capture her spirit, the culture, the honor of the Hawaiian people. This song is closer than anything I’ve encountered to capturing that blessed spirit of a beautiful people and their culture.
same feelings. Tears .. cant stop crying
Glad to know I’m not the only one who tears up! Was stationed there 3 yrs and it was the best times of my life. Met and married my wife there and we just went back for the first time 5 months ago. It’d been 37 yrs. We didn’t realize how much we missed it.
Would love to visit.
Ditto
Being a Hawaiian and often being stationed all over during my time in service before I retired. I always levitated to back home in the island braddah 🤙🏽
My favorite Hawaiian musical artist's best song. NOTHING captures the soul of the Islands like this tune.
That’s my “go to “ song when stuff is bad. Great place of healing. 🙏
✨🤙🏼✨
Agree.. no other place measures up
🤙🏽🌈
Yeah 🤙🏽
Mine too!!!👍
It sure is!! Everytime i hear this song it brings tears to my eyes
Just discovered this guy, he's a legend.
Check out his song "Hurricane"
All I can say is that I feel blessed to live on Maui with my family...whenever I leave...I am so ready to come back...and this song will take anyone away from the islands back home. Mahalo for this song John!
Me too
This song is my jam every time we go beach we stay playing this song ❤️!!
anthem of the islands, thank you John even though you make me cry every time I hear this
I Almost Cried Listening To This Song For The First Time In Years , Brings Back Great Memories Of Growing Up Here In Hawaii In The 80’s & 90’s ! It Makes Me Sad That My Children Live A Different Life Now Here In Oahu They We Used To Live Back Then 💯 Return To Our Former Ways Of The Past In The Spirit Of Aloha And Ohana
First came across this song when visiting Hawaii in 1997 when it wa a brand new. Fell in love with the song. Been with me ever since. Come from an island myself. Touches the heart . Remember Ernie too ❤️
I have never been to Hawaii, but the people I have met from there are sweet and full of grace. Just like the music.
Yes, we are Mahalo Carla
Dont go to wainae
@@nesta1777 🤣🤣
You should go! I have been there 10 times! It’s like the song here!
It’s life changing
I met my sweet love Mark in front of the library in Lahaina in 1975. The library is now gone (burned in the fire, not replaced yet I don't think). We said Aloha in Lahaina and I came back to California (northern, I'm not from LA) and this song took me back to those lovely days (and nights) we spent together.
what a beautiful song
Beautiful song 🎶 beautiful voice ♥️
I'm not sure what I should write. This is a wonderful song. We were in Hawaii for 3 weeks in 2018, and everytime when I hear this song, I'm going back to the islands in my mind. Better days then....
I love this song. It always reminds me of my Island Home
YES LISTENING TO DIS Going back home from LAS VEGAS
John Cruz and Ohana sharing the best of the Hawaiian Spirit! Please thank the Cruz Ohana for spreading the Hawaiian Spirit. Mahalo
I love this I was blessed to live amongst the Hawaiians for 2 years and 2 months as a nurse what an amazing experience
Over the rainbow and this 2 ov the best Hawaii songs
My son had me give a listen to this. He has great taste in music and has introduced me to many wonderful songs. So happy to add this to the list. Such a pleasant song. 🎆
Such a soothing song....
This song stirs my heart, as does Jimmy Buffet's Back to the Island... but I never went back. Only in my dreams.
This song always reminds me of my childhood… what a beautiful song that was written thank you! I will always be reminded of my culture, happiness, and what I was taught from my makuahine ❤️🌺
My parents are from HI & I have tons of family in HI. I also danced the hula. I was just thinking that I got to grow up in the best time. HI is not the same as it was back in the 70’s & 80’s.
The White Lotus brought me here. Absolutely beautiful song
That freaky show had the most beautiful sound track ever. Absolutely mesmerizing
Seriously what a show❤
Margaritaville radio brought me here!!! I may be irish but my heart is pure Hawaiian
I lived in Hawaii from 1994-2004 I miss it so much and have so many memories......
Mahalo for this video. This is the best video of this song I've seen yet. My wife and I are both very fond of Hawaii, Kauai in particular.
Yep so fun to start out with the familiar images of Kauai....so nice, and they all over the islands. This really does show and feel what it is like to live in Hawaii. It is a very special place.
I lived in Hawaii for a few years over 20 years ago and to this day I still the know the words to this song. I’m not Hawaiian and not from Hawaii but for some reason this song stuck to me.
God Bless Hawaii
Island Style, always da'kine!!!🤙🏽🤙🏽
I've lived in the mainland for over 40 years now but every time I hear this song I get chicken skin and I'm back in the islands🍍❤
WOWWWWWWW! I have chills running through me!
❤❤❤❤ Aloha. Beautiful memories. Thinking of Oahu. I used to hear this song. Kahala and Keilua.
It is a beautiful song. Aloha for our islander people brothers Hawai. From Robinson Crusoe in Juan Fernández Islands
wow the Hanalei Bridge and the taro patch where I spent many hours pulling and planting huli.
I used to live in Hawai'i, on the Island of O'ahu, by the Moana Lua Valley. I have been all over the Island on my motorcycle and in our van. I watch this video and in the back of my mind I think I can just walk outside our door and it will all be the same. But it's not. We live in Texas now. Our job brought us here. Don't get me wrong, we love Texas and if we were to retire on the Mainland Texas would be our number 1 choice. But I will never forget what I had even though I took so much for granted. Now I miss it and know what I lost.
Such a beautiful soul.
Love Love this song....I always run to the beach..Oak Island NC is mine and I go when everything gets to be too much for me, It heals my soul.
One of my favorite songs, love the video footage on this!!!
God willing I’ll move hawaii or at least when I get heaven be hawaii 25/7 forever ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
So glad to call Hawai’i my home ❤❤❤❤🤙🏽🤙🏽🤙🏽🤙🏽
Same here brudda (or sista)
Reminds me of the Beautiful beaches and the weather..Bbq and hang out with family and friends..17 yrs away is to long🤙🤟
Aloha and Mahalo. This song touches my heart.
Love the song I do miss waimanalo Job Corp
The song to calm you down
Hawaii will always be my home 🖤
Thank you so much for your beautiful song. It's kind.❤
Mahalo for this "Ohana"Mele🤙🏼,from the central Aina Oahu...E Ala E🙏
Just watched 'NCIS: Hawaii'....yup, first episode kinda sucks, but it brought me this song, so very much worthwhile....
Yoram Benz, thank ya for posting
wow! the old hawaiian way. miss that today.
I really miss living on Maui.. such a special and spiritual place, needs to be respected.
Beautiful Song, thank you so much for posting this video were the music starts right away, love that thank you.
Love your song blessed my heart and love your islands
My great love: HAWAII
Boy do I miss home.
Mesmerizing songs ❤️❤️❤️
Made transits across the channels bearable...
so evocative.
Yes, I have been there, on military duty, and a DEEP regret is I did not "island hop". But I have had DREAMS that I have been to the other islands. And it was unreal.
this made me cry I don't know why
Kaya Carrick because that’s how we Polynesians lived in the island style
Kaya Carrick i feel you ! 😢 its beautiful
Makes me wanna go back home 😢 for sure one day
i miss home
Cuz you mahu maybe
Kia ora from Aotearoa🤙🏾
I love this song, 1Luv From The Cook Islands!!
so right - if you have been off island too long this will get ya.
God I miss Kauai
I can't believe I haven't commented on this video. I've watched this video over and over again, I don't know how many times, and I thought I had already commented but I guess not. This is an awesome song and video. Love it! Hawai'i is my garden of Eden. I love my home.
Jhon cruz came to my school and played guitar with us
I met him once in waikiki sat with me and my girlfriend ordered shrimp and offered us some. Was so humble and nice
Thanks brah from West Maui I needed that!!
So much memories ❤️
Beautiful island song💛❤💛❤
I love the beaches the ocean I love the song
Tnx to this song I really love it very cool I played back to back makes me feel relaxing ,more power to the original singer...gbu😘
Merla Rivera The best fingerpicking I have ever heard👍
nice songs
I know this wasn't filmed on the Big Island but it reminds Me when I lived on the Big Island "Pahoa Hilo side" in the seventies.
❤😊❤
i miss my home and my ohana. i need to go back to oahu. imma always be an island girl cuz you can take the girl off the island but you cant take the island outta the girl. mahalo for dis brudda.
Amen
I really hope it goes back to the way it was because in the last six months Hawaii is not what it was.
yes brudda
U darn right have one good day sista
So good to ralaxing...Aloha!
🕊❤️🤟🏼bless my beloveds I. THE ALLLLLLLMIGHTY NAME OF CHRIST JESUUUUUUS THE LION OF THEE TRIBE OF JUIUUUDAH
BLESS MY BELOVEDS ISLANDERS IN THE MANY MEMBERED BODY OF CHRIST JESUS LOVES TO THE EKKLESIA OUT THAT WAY
I LOVES THIS SONG ITS PRETTY ITS BEAUTIFUL AND ITS STRONG TOTALLY PLEASENT AND I LIKE THAT
Johnny boy hawaiian u untouchable one of the greats beep hesia
I was eight years old.when I was there
I miss home like you can't believe...n I'm a haolie. .I need to go home....weird disposition...but I need home ♡
She is calling us back home isn't she..
Missing it since 2018..
Half Native half Irish
Still home🤙🏽🌈
Really captured the essence of Hawaii frfr
Man speaks facts
NICE SONG....THANKS SO MUCH....
Love Your singing
Easy listening.
Peaceful music 🎼
John Cruz is my boyfriend's favorite singer.
Home always
I miss you my kane, kana ipo Samuel ulani Makanani😪💙💯🙏🏽
It is so calm
Who could give this song and video a thumbs down?? You must be lo lo
In Rarotonga Cook Islands we do it the island style.
Kia Orana
❤️
Your Amazing
From where..... 🤙🤙🤙🍺😎🇺🇸
One of the people I would most like to meet. Ae!
Aloha I’m shanebearddj I’m biggest fan ever best music ever
John’ all da Boyz’ SoCal Summer Oahu Da Winters’ John lives sandiego’ & Island Wide’
I’m here because of The American Idol Winner Iam Tongi‼️ #seattlecertified
The White Lotus brought me here . . .
Solid💯HÅFA ADAI 🇲🇵