Da ‘Ōpala Man’s a Hit on Instagram
The anonymous O‘ahu refuse collection operator offers a behind-the-scenes look at his job.
Image: Getty Images
Instagram’s algorithm nailed it. Here on my feed, a video appears of an O‘ahu garbage truck driver picking up fallen trash bins with the truck’s arm, shot by the driver. Suddenly, I’m curious about what it’s like to operate a massive truck, and the next thing I know, I’m watching dozens of videos posted by Da ‘Ōpala Man.
I’m not the only one. Instagram Reels from @da.opalaman.808 routinely rack up thousands of views. His most popular one drew more than 200,000. The videos provide a behind-the-scenes look at a job that’s often underappreciated. It also makes it clear why we all need to follow “trash etiquette.”
“I started this account to show everyone a side of my everyday work life that they don’t usually see,” says Da ‘Ōpala Man, who prefers to remain anonymous, blurring his face anytime he’s onscreen. “I didn’t realize how much people would enjoy watching my videos.”
He’s worked for the City and County of Honolulu for 21 years, 11 of them as a refuse collection operator. “I started enjoying this job because of the role I got to play in the community, but us ‘ōpala people are often overlooked,” he says.
Not by kids, though. “Seeing the excitement of all the little kids watching and waving every week takes me back to when my own kids were little and how excited they would be when they seen me or other truck drivers driving by. I’ve been blessed to see the kids on my routes grow up over the years, and I hope that they know that they made my days more enjoyable.”
With seven children of his own, Da ‘Ōpala Man started his Instagram and TikTok accounts last July, then his YouTube about a month later, and Facebook this January. Collectively, he has about 7,300 followers and subscribers, as of late March.
“I hope my videos give people a better look at what my job is really like, help them appreciate the work that goes into keeping our communities clean, and give recognition to the hardworking people I get to work with,” he says.
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Katrina Valcourt is the executive editor of HONOLULU Magazine.
