Dear all, thanks so much for your earlier advice. I think we will try to spend our last three nights in the Poipu area. Can anyone recommend a small hotel (not a giant resort) with nice grounds, AC and a pool in or near Poipu? Thanks again.

Koa Kea. small boutique. have no idea of price. look them up to see if they have AC. The restaurant RED SALT is located there and is not cheap but a great meal...

There are only 3 hotels there, Grand Hyatt, Sheraton and Koa Kea. Koa Kea is a small self-styled boutique hotel but very pricey. If I had the budget I would stay at the Hyatt, at least have dinner at Tidepools one night and before that catch the free torchlighting ceremony and 3 nights there is a hula show there, then head to dinner about 7 or so.
What about a condo instead? There are some nice ones with pools and some also have AC as well.

We've enjoyed Poipu Kapili (condos).

love the Grand Hyatt, it is stunning but it is a BIG resort and she asked for a small hotel, hence the Koa Kea. AC in a condo is rare on Kauai but there are a few newer condos that would have them. check VRBO. usually a 3 night minimum so you might be ok. We prefer condos as they amount to similar pricing with lots more room. Poipu Shores is very nice with excellent ocean front units. All units are ocean front with nice lanais. easy walk to Poipu Beach from there as well. No maid service if that is OK with you. Great pool too.