or modest motels? Thanksgiving week.Thanks.

Maui Kai condos. It's right on the beach looking at Lanai and Molokai. Everything we needed. Clean, if somewhat aged. Our room was a recently refurbished and nice.
BBQ and pool and hot tub (large - but we were the only ones in it the night we used it).
Do need a car to get about.

I recommend the Hale Kamaole, Maui Kamaole, and Kamaole Sands, all directly across from the Kamaole beach park. They are a little removed from the Kihei noise and traffic, right on the edge of Wailea, but close to amenities. The complexes all have 1 and 2 bdrm condos, pools, BBQ, nice landscaping, views (depending on unit) etc.; the best prices will probably be Hale (smallest, low-rise, but every unit has a view from the lanai), but check VRBO for very competitive prices.

Oops...I meant the Lahainia area...sorry...

Perhaps you should define what dollar amount you consider "budget". When I think of budget, I think Kihei, not west Maui. Especially not for Thanksgiving.

We found a great condo through www.vrbo.com (vacation rentals by owner) We also stayed at the Maui Kai and it was a smaller condo building and older, but our condo was completely remodeled and had beautiful cabinets, decor, granite counters and all new appliances. The view of the sunsets were awesome. Give www.vrbo.com a try. You can search for condos by area in Maui also, price range, number of bedrooms, etc. It was great.

we're going to stay at the mauian hotel in October..
and I'll post a bit upon return.

WE were really happy with the Hale Kai - www.halekai.com

How is the road that has to be crossed to get to the beach from the condos across the street? Is it a busy road and easy to cross with small kids?

We stayed in a privately owned condo at the Valley Isle Resort in Kahana. Few amenities (pool, jacuzzi, and BBQ is about it), but right on the beach.

http://www.valleyisleresort.com/

We stayed in 504, an end unit. No A/C, but the breeze keeps the place cool.
http://www.kahanamauicondos.com/