Just across the Pacific from San Francisco's shores is a little island called Maui. Yeah, you've heard of it, maybe "been there"…but "done that"? Not till you've stayed in Kā'anapali!

This three-mile stretch of white sand beach just north of Lahaina is where the world comes to play—day and night. Kā'anapali Beach Resort is a giddy mecca of 12 diverse properties woven around two premier golf courses and a lush beachfront boardwalk, lined with incredible dining, shopping and entertainment. Come October, it's also the home of the renowned Hawai'i Food and Wine Festival. Talk about adding bliss to bliss.

Play by Day

Two words: Beach. Shopping.

By beach, we don't mean just lounging on the warm sand and listening to the steady wash of the waves at your feet (though that's a pretty nice option). Dive into your pick of thrilling water activities: parasail high above the shoreline, learn to surf or standup paddleboard (SUP), take a sail on a catamaran, cruise on a snorkel tour, or grab your binoculars for a whalewatch. All of these activities and more scoop you up right at Kā'anapali Beach—you literally wade out to your boat.

Don't feel like going that far? Just slip on your fins and snorkel because the aqua waters yield some of the most glorious marine life around. Green sea turtles, butterflyfish, parrotfish, tangs, eels and triggerfish thrive along the underwater lava rock ledge of Pu'u Keka'a—Black Rock.

Okay, now shopping. Whalers Village has an incredible selection of 90 different shops and restaurants on the beachfront. This three-level, open-air venue is like being at the beach and shopping at the same time—cool, right? Browse through Kate Spade, Rip Curl, Billabong, Roxy and Quiksilver, along with art galleries, local jewelry designers, island-style gift boutiques, bath and body shops and more.

Play by Night

One word: Dining experience (okay, maybe two words).

You'll find more world-class chefs along this span of beach than you can shake a tiki torch at. No wonder Kā'anapali is rapidly making its mark as a culinary destination. And chances are, as you savor that last bite of pineapple crème brulee, the chef might stop by your table to "talk story." This is Hawai'i after all, where aloha means welcome, and everyone from the executive chef to the guy who books your snorkel sail makes sure you feel it!

The Hawai'i Food & Wine Festival is a fantastic time to check out Kā'anapali's culinary goods. From October 14 to 16 this year, Kā'anapali Beach Resort will serve as the swanky backdrop to wine tastings, cooking demonstrations and magical dining experiences that maximize Hawai'i's natural bounty.

As another energetic day winds down, the sunset brings that momentary "aaahh" hush, watching the lone cliff diver make his way up Pu'u Keka'a, and then it's on: Crazy-good dining, intimate bars, world-class cocktails and live local music all light up the sparkling crescent of the Kā'anapali Boardwalk. Playtime!