Want to buy rash guards for boys 8 and 10 on Maui after we leave the airport. Thought this would be the best way to protect them from the sun. Also they will be more likely to keep them on rather than a wet ole tee shirt. We dont get much of a tan in Idaho this time of year. Does anyone know if you can purchase for a good price up by the airport. Say - at Walmart or Kmart. Thought this would be cheaper than surf/dive shops in Lahina or Kaanapali. Thanks!

Try Costco, but maybe you could find them at home before you go. Your boys will stand out, though, because the only kids who wear rash guards are those who boogie board. I would rely on sunscreen, liberally applied before they go out into the sun and then every time they come out of the water.

Thanks Barb-
We dont have very many store in Idaho that carry rash guards so cant pickup here before we go. It will be good if they stand out--wont lose them! Was planning on +45 sunscreen, long shorts and hats too. Thought shirt would help also. Have to be careful dont have much sun in Idaho this time of year. Will try walmart and kmart too. Thanks!!

You probably don't need 45 sunscreen - 15 will do. The 45 doesn't give more protection, just lasts for longer and often costs more. They will be in and out of the water and you'll have to re-apply anyway. The beaches on Maui are not crowded the way our S. California beaches are, so you'll easily be able to keep an eye on them.

WE have found the 45 does offer more protection and is well worth the money, especially during your first few days.

What's a rash guard?

sounds too personal for me

gr, raise your sights a little!

Patty, a rash guard is a long or short sleeved knit nylon shirt which boogie boarders (and possibly others) wear to prevent getting a rash on the chest area from contact with the board. Used more by boys, as girls swimsuits often do the same. They're usually quite a snug fit.

Thanks, Barbara.

My kids and husband wear them to surf and also just swimming. They're quite popular on Oahu...makes you look like a surfer even if you aren't. Although being originally designed to pretect your chest on a surf or Body board, many people use them to prevent sun burn and keep you warmer on windy days. I think I bought one at Costco a while back, but my husband prefers the T&C brand and refuses to compromise. They come in sleeveless, short sleeve and long sleeve. I always use Coppertone waterproof 45 sunblock, even with a hat and hiding under an umbrella. 15 does nothing for freckled Irish skin.

Barb-
Just want you to know that I am (rg_ and that (gr) that posted about being a little to personal - is not the same as me (rg) the orginal poster. What did you mean by "raise your sights a little?"
Thanks everyone.

rg, I did realize you are different people. When I read gr's post "sounds too personal for me" I assumed he/she was thinking of a lower area of the body!

My kids (girls) prefer the body suit style rashguards to the shirts. They have never felt out of place wearing them in Hawaii. They think that they look cool and it sure beats reapplying sunscreen. And for my little Puget Sounders, sph 30-45 is what their fair skin needs. I'd never depend on 15. Try a websearch for "sun protection wear." Last year I was able to find some on sale over the net for $8 a piece- the deal of the year! Children's Wear Digest has a big selection of them as well in about the $30 range: ww.cwdkids.com. I've never found them at Walmart or Costco while in Hawaii.

Just a note about sun protection in general...I purchased a new product by RIT called Sunguard, before our trip to Kauai three weeks ago. You add this powder to your regular wash and everything gets a SPF 30 protection from sun damage, that lasts for up tp 30 washes. It even works when the garment is wet. Can't beat the price ..$2.50 per wash load. A lot less than Solumbra or other SPF clothing.
Have a great time on your trip.

Thanks to everyone - we are leaving on March 8th and cant chance ordering anything before we go. So I will look for the RIT wash and check out Walmart or Kamrt anyway if cant find them there will still look for them in Lahaina. I figure the kids can wear them all summer anyway. I will be sure and do a trip report when we get back. Hope the sun is shining everyday!!

Costco, Kmart and Walmart are all within a couple of miles from airport. If fact, you’ll pass all three on the way to Kaanapali. We live in Hawaii and have our kids wear them all the time they’re at the beach. Costco has some cool Hawaiian/Surf print ones. Don’t forget the sunscreen...

It is me-gr.I thought that when she was talking about a "rash" she did mean something personal..I have yet to see rashes talked about on this forum, therefore you will have to excuse my not understanding, not being a surfer also. Sorry,rg, if the initials got you into "hot water" too :0) Gr

No problem gr-thanks for the explanation. I was surprised that it was called a rash guard too! Kinda made me laugh when I started this post. I thought maybe someone would get a giggle out of it. =)

we are from the U.K and therefore never get sun exposure,when we went to hawaii last year we used a sun lotion called p45 which you use one a day(i dont know if you have anything similar in the USA)
its complely waterproof ,and gave great protection even after we had been scuba diving!! iwould recomend a product like this as well as rash vests then you dont have to be paranoid about areas not covered by the vests .PLEASE PLEASE
do not relie on factor 15 lotion for young children.

To: Kelso
Regarding the Rash Guards. We do not have Costco store where I live. Can you go to Costco without a card or can we purchase a card there and how much are they? Thanks.