In the past, our trips to Hawaii have been in the summer and we have been tanned. We will be going to Maui in December, and obviously will not be tanned. I am concerned that this time, because of our white skin, we will be subject to burning. While I do not believe in tanning beds due to the dangers, I wonder if some time spent in one of them would be better than a bad burn. However, I also know nothing at all about tanning beds - what to look for, how long you should be in one, how many times, do you go in nude, etc. Can anyone give me some input? Thanks.

The dangers of a tanning bed are the same as the danger of the sun. They both deliver UVA and UVB rays and both cause early winkles and possible skin cancers. After having said that, IF you already have a tan from summer, you could lay in a bed once a week for 20min to retain your tan up until December. 30min in a bed is like 8 hrs in the sun. You can wear a swim suit, just panties, or go nude. It's up to you. I would not expose any skin however, that has not been exposed to sun.

look at me!

Tanning beds are actually more dangerous than the sun, in terms of UVA rays. And it is a myth that building up a "base" tan protects you from skin damage.

Tans and burns are the same thing. They both mean that your skin has literally been cooked by the sun. A burn is simply a more intense form of a tan.

What makes the most sense is simply wearing good sunscreen while you are in Hawaii. Of course, it sounds like you've already done a great deal of damage to your skin.

Forget the tanning beds and use a combination bronzer/self-tanner for color, and then use strong sunscreen while in Hawaii. The color from the bronzer/self-tanner will make you feel "summer-y" without the damage to your skin.

Jenna's answer is my favorite.
It's the safest, and still accomplishes what you want....a nice 'socially pleasing' tan.