I use my kids' lotion, either Coppertone Water Babies SPF 45 or Banana Boat Kids which is grape scented. I think they have other scents as well. Both were recommended by my kids' pediatrician and they work well for me. The trick is to really slather it on, like a shot glass full or more every couple of hours. Don't forget the tops of your ears. My mom's friend who plays golf got melanoma on her ears. YIKES! The tops of your feet, hands etc. Wear a hat and try to stay out of the sun in the middle of the day. Make sure to pack good sunglasses that filter out both UVA and UVB rays.

It is important that you use a sunscreen that screens for both UVA and UVB rays. From www.cosmeticscop.com:
"SPF is crucial, but it is only a measurement regarding sunburn (UVB) rays. There are no numbers to tell you about protection from UVA radiation. For that protection you have to check the active ingredient list to see if either zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, avobenzone (which may also be listed as Parsol 1789 or butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane), or Mexoryl SX (outside of the US). If one of those isn't part of the active ingredient list (it doesn't count if it is just part of the regular ingredients) you will not get adequate UVA protection."

This same UVA/UVB protection is also necessary for your lips, but much harder to find.

Finally, you need to use enough sunscreen so that it will really cover you. I tend to buy something reasonably priced so that I will treat it like water, and not like gold, when I am applying it.

We love Maui and go every year. Have a wonderful time. -- Suzanne

Quick observation, I have always read that anything over 30SPF is a waste. Dr's have said this. You pay more but get the same protection because that is as far as the technology goes. Anyone else here of this?

I love Bain de Soleil!

Wendy - my dermatologist told me the same thing - SPF30 is really as high as the technology goes.

A good point was made about hands - I burned mine pretty bad last summer during a bike ride. I had washed my hands and forgotten to reapply the sun block. So don't forget to reapply after washing your hands!

This is my take. I'd get a sunblock that filters out both UVB an UVA rays and is sweatproof/waterproof. I wouldn't go higher than a 30 because if you apply it often you'll always have lots of protection. I went to FL a few times and always wear a nice stylish straw hat to cover my face and wear dark sunglasses to protection my eyes.

Since getting the info from the bathing suit-clad poolside waitress in 1997 I've used Water Babies 45 ever since. No sunburn ever. If I will be snorkeling for an extended period of time I will put Bullfrog gel for kids (smells like watermelon and won't wash off!) on my shoulders back and back of legs so I won't be crying later. Ever see anyone in HI walking toward you looking ok and when they pas you, you notice that their entire back is burned? Sure sign of sunscreeen miscalculation during snorkel trip!!!

Like the advise given Wendy and J_Correa, a doctor who rode on our coast to coast bicycle ride also said that around 25-30 is the highest protection MOST people, even those w/ sensitive skin, need. I started the trip with spf 45, but went to the cheap stuff thereafter. My comment on getting a good tan was not meant that I tried to get one, just that 7 weeks on the road resulted in a tan. I spread it on & rubbed in in deep right after drying off from a morning shower, making sure to go much further up (or down) sleeves, collar, ankles, etc., allowing for any movement of clothing that would allow the sun to "peek" in & burn. And yes, after washing, or even heavy sweat, you must re-apply.

I spent two weeks on a sailboat in the Bahamas and used a 30 SPF religously and still got a very dark tan. Keep in mind we were outside on deck from sunup to sundown and I reapplied all the time.

Alohamom, I used Maui Babe Browning Lotion too and loved it, especially the smell. I even put it on sometimes in the winter, just to bring back all those great memories. I'm with Kal, we were real careful to use a strong sunblock the first few days, and gradually got some color over the rest of our trip. I hate to say it, but I love the way I look with a tan.

Mexoryl SX which is still not available in the US was written up in the NY times on June 9th saying Psst! This stuff keeps you young but is illegal.

I don't know if it's illegal, it's just not approved by the FDA. I don't think you will go to jail if you use sunscreen with Mexoryl LOL

For a really good "fake tan" Neutrogena has a new product which sprays on. It comes in light medium and dark and does not come off on clothes and sheets like the other stuff does. You also don't stain your palms or nails. It looks natural and not orang -y. I like the spray because it goes on evenly, and not greasy or goopy. If you use this at night you wake up in the morning with a great "tan"...then just apply your sunscreen in the morning and you will look great!

Sorry not a Hawaii veteran, but had to add my .02.....Since everyone does look better with a little color, there are safe ways to look good.

Parade magazine in the Sunday 'paper had an article recently:
http://archive.parade.com/2005/0605/0605_tanning.html
8-)

I recently started using Jergens Natural Glow, a tinting skin lotion. The WalMart(s) in our area can't keep it on the shelves, it's so popular here!

I had actually ordered for HSN some "Tan Towels" that I had used and liked prior to the lotion....but that is an extra step... so I've still got the towels.

Belle.

That should be 'from HSN'...Belle

i consistently use two products to keep me looking tan without having to overexpose.
1) Maui Babe browning lotion (i buy it off da net from ABC Stores)
2) Jergens Natural Glow-dark
i use Maui Babe just about daily-it is the only thing i wear on my face-no need for foundation/makeup!

The main problem people have with any sunblock is that they do not apply enough. Most labels tell you to use 1-2 ounces of a lotion to cover your body. If you look at the bottle and do the math, that is a lot of sunblock - admittedly far more than I ever use.

spf40, spray on, no grease, no smell, can do from different angles--Banana Boat sport instant dry spray. Waterproof, too.