Sports Illustrated covergirl Kathy Ireland shows she still looks good in a bikini as she nears 50

Last updated at 9:47 PM on 7th June 2011

She's no stranger to bikinis, having featured in the Sports Illustrated magazine 13 years in a row.

And even as she nears 50, Kathy Ireland can still carry off the most unforgiving of beach outfits.

The former model showed off her body on the beach in Hawaii yesterday.

Looking good: At 48 and after three children, Kathy Ireland shows off her bikini figure as she relaxes on the beach in Maui, Hawaii

Kathy Ireland vacations in Hawaii with her family

Relaxing: Ireland is now a successful businesswoman, making more than 45,000 products a year

In a hot pink two-piece, teamed with a pair of black shorts, Ireland appeared unselfconscious as she supervised her children as they attempted to paddleboard.

And while the 48-year-old's figure may no longer be that of a teenager, it certainly shows the benefits of regular exercise.

For 13 years Ireland featured in the Sports Illustrated magazine, appearing on the cover three times.

Time off: After a career as an actress, Ireland moved on to fulfill her literary ambitions and has published six books, three of which are for children

Family fun: Kathy and her daughter try out paddle surfing

After a career as an actress, Ireland moved on to fulfill her literary ambitions and has published six books, three of which are for children.

She also has a successful brand marketing line, Kathy Ireland Worldwide, which according to Forbes makes her around $10million a year.

This week it was announced she had expanded into wedding dresses.

The company, which designs and produces more than 45,000 products, including linens and cribs, will produce a collection of more than 1,000 dress designs.