Miss Hawaiian Tropic US 2004

When you hear the phrase "Hawaiian Tropic," you think about beauty, right? Sex appeal, glamour, fun. And of course, you think about pageants. (We wouldn't have it any other way.)

But the great Hawaiian Tropic empire -- just like NASA -- is rooted in science. Ron Rice, its legendary founder, created his suncare line based on his knowledge of chemistry. The products that have adorned countless beautiful bodies (and turned countless heads) were born in a laboratory.

At Miss Hawaiian Tropic US 2004, held in Turtle Bay, Hawaii, in 2003, the science of pageant judging was on display. (Some might call pageant judging an art, but it has aspects of the scientific method. Research, after all, is about examining the data and making choices.)

The judges chose four winners to compete for the Miss Hawaiian Tropic International title: Elaine Arias of St. Augustine, Fla.; Brooke Paller of Palm Beach, Fla.; Kimberly Choma, Superbowl San Diego; and Ashley Smith of Jacksonville, Fla..

Science is about proof, and that suits us just fine. If you want proof that the Hawaiian Tropic beauties are out of this world, just take a look.

And on a more personal note, PNB would like to thank the wonderful people of Hawaiian Tropic for their kindness. If hospitality could be bottled, they would have a new product on their hands.