Hawaiian Tropic-The Daily Ledger

Hawaiian Tropic is an American brand of suntan lotion that was founded by Ron Rice in 1969. Hawaiian Tropic became the largest private manufacturer of sun care products in the United States. The company was acquired by Playtex Products, Inc. in May 2007. With Hawaiian Tropic and Playtex's Banana Boat brand, Playtex became the largest manufacturer of sun care products in the Western Hemisphere. Shortly after purchasing Hawaiian Tropic, Playtex Products was purchased by Energizer Holdings Inc. in a deal valued at $1.9 billion.

Restaurant

In late 2006, a theme restaurant called Hawaiian Tropic Zone opened in New York City near Times Square. The restaurant was advertised as the "Hottest Place on Earth" and featured waitresses in bikinis designed by Nicole Miller and a restaurant menu created by chef David Burke. Later that year, four former employees sued the restaurant, alleging repeated groping by managers, as well as rape. The restaurant closed in mid-2010.

Hawaiian Tropic

Miss Hawaiian Tropic International

Hawaiian Tropic sponsored swimsuit competitions among women to select spokesmodels for its products. Many winners appeared later in advertising campaigns, swimwear, erotic magazines, and lingerie catalogs.

Hawaiian Tropic

In May 2008, the Hawaiian Tropic Brand celebrated the 25th annual Miss Hawaiian Tropic International model search finals at the Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. In late 2008, the pageants ended in the United States. The former state directors transitioned to Swimsuit USA, which is the official successor.

Hawaiian Tropic

Notable winners

Miss Hawaiian Tropic USA

Rebecca DiPietro 2005: Former World Wrestling Entertainment backstage interviewer on ECW and Playboy model; finalist in Hawaiian Tropic International 2005 pageant Shana Hiatt 1995: Hostess for the World Poker Tour and Playboy model Ashley Massaro 2002: Former WWE Diva and Playboy cover girl Crista Nicole 2001: Playboy Playmate of the Month for May 2001 Brooke Richards 1998: Playboy Playmate of the Month for December 1999 Suzanne Stokes 1999: Playboy Playmate of the Month for February 2000