We loved this place. We had a two-bedroom, two-bath condo, rented from a private owner and it was superb inside. You don't get any closer to the water… so if you don't want to hear it at night, you might want to select another place to stay. Bedrooms are to the back, but you still hear the water (a good thing for us).<</P>We ate several meals on the Lanai, especially breakfast, and watched several turtles down on the rocks, and whales a bit farther offshore. We were never out there when we couldn't see something. Higher floors have a better view, and no one walking between you and the sights.
There's no pool in this place, so if that's one of your needs pick somewhere else. We get our water fun from the ocean itself and for one BIG tip, some of the best snorkeling is right next door—on the beach—well, in the water in front of the beach/condo. If you're not afraid to go out farther, there are some really neat things to be seen: some coral, lots of fish, eels, and even octopi. Look closely or you'll miss them.If you want a nice morning walk, head out to Spouting Horn. It's a beautiful walk, about a mile one way, and for a reward you get to see a "blowhole" (we nicknamed them Hawaiian geysers). Tour buses will bring people to this site later in the day, so morning is best especially if there's a little bit of wind to aid the water.Poipu itself is a great place to stay in the winter months as winds come from the north, making that side of the island wetter and the water more dangerous. On the southern shore (where Poipu is), you are more protected. Poipu beach is nearby and has more good snorkeling in protected water, Brennecke Beach is also there and has good boogie-boarding. We explored the whole island from Poipu, it's not a very long drive to anywhere.