traveling with a family of four to maui for the first time in july and am looking into beachfront condos in wailea - something that might be considered luxury/deluxe - maybe in the range of $250+? thanks for any help!

Try this link http://www.destinationresortshi.com/

The Polo Beach Club looked nice from the outside. Did not stay there but it had a good location.

Do not try DESTINATION RESORTS unless you want to pay top dollar for the same accomodations you could get thru another broker or directly thru an owner. Just put in condo rental wailea in any search engine.

Check out vrbo.com (Vacation Rentals BY Owner). They have several owner rentals in Wailea.

We stayed at the Makena Surf and loved every minute! Right on the ocean and a great beach right there.

Helena

Lizzie makes a good point. I just assumed you would look for the best deal. What I wanted you to see is what the condos look like and their location. I have booked condos for me and the wife in Maui several times and always compared rates and services from several sources. Never did use Destination resorts. I am not on commission Thanks to Lizzie for pointing this important fact out.

GP

My family of four is also going to Maui in July and prefer Makena (stay at Makena Surf) to Wailea. Wailea is less than 10 minutes away where you would go for groceries, etc. Makena is beautiful and quiet. "Big Beach" is a lovely beach nearby that is great for kids. The Polo Beach Club is also right on the beach, but their beach is limited. Makena Surf condos are really nice & right on the ocean. Check out the map at this site to get an idea: www.drhmaui.com/makenamap.htm
I would not recommend the G or C buildings if you want direct oceanfront (we stayed in E and loved it). There is a Costco near the airport which is good place to hit on the way for food if you are a member). We also pack an ice chest with any dry ingredients for meals, tape it up, check it on, then use to take drinks/snacks to the beach or pool. I don't know how old your kids are, but you may consider staying at nearby Grand Wailea for a couple of nights at the end of the trip. Their pool, raft river, slides, water elevator are a hit with the kids! It is something that my boys look forward to at the end of our condo stay. I agree not to go the Destination Resorts directly as they will charge the rack rate. I used Eric at All Globe Travel this year and he has been great. His email just in case is: erick@allglobetravel. Have a great time!

Take a look at www.mauihawaiicondo for a condo rental at Grand Champions in Wailea.

thanks so much for everyone's replies - these forums are my favorite source of first-hand, frank feedback. especially thanks for all the details Sheryl! i'll give Eric a call (and let him know you referred me). i think we'll be staying at the Makena Surf condos, shopping at Costco and ending the trip at the Grand Wailea! aloha!

Not to nit pick but... the Makena Surf condos are not in Wailea. As the name implies they are in Makena.