What began as a catering and food truck venture grew into a local favorite restaurant that dishes up fall-of-the-bone barbecue goodness with all the fixin’s. Located in Napili Shores resort, enjoy Iron Imu BBQ’s slow-cooked Texas-style ribs, Carolina pulled pork and smoked kielbasa sausage. Done with homemade rubs and sauces, then slow cooked and smoked to perfection, Iron Imu has gained a solid reputation as Maui’s best barbecue. Sides vary every evening but not to be missed are the soufflé-style cornbread, mac and cheese, and tart cherry and sweet pepper slaw.

Owners Rob and Kristin Wheeler wanted a casual, family-friendly dining destination for West Maui. The previous restaurant’s bar has been turned into a play area for kids, supersized with a chalkboard, trains, books and other toys. While the bar might be gone, the restaurant still serves beer and wine, which includes craft brews from Maui Brewery Co. and Hawaii Nui Brewing.