Vacation Rentals by Owner

Look no further.

Guest: Aimee Rocheleau (Buckeye, AZ)
Date of Stay: 05/12/12 Review Submitted: 05/22/12

We traveled all over the island of Kauai and kept agreeing that our location at Sunset Cottage in Kilauea was the best by far. After seeing the crowds at Poipu and surrounding area, we were so thankful to have our quiet retreat up in Kilauea. The cottage is truly magnificent and there is really nothing about it one could not like. If you are looking for peace, tranquility and privacy, then there is no reason to search anywhere else. The cottage was spotlessly clean and had every amenity one could possibly need while traveling. Snorkel gear, beach towels, laundry facilities out back door, rain umbrellas, iron, hairdryer, beach chairs, movies, cds, tv, stereo...(thank you for providing the fun Blue Hawaii CD which we took along with us on every car trip and will forever hold that CD as our "soundtrack" to our week in Kauai). These extra amenities gave us the abiliy to travel light. The best part of our stay was waking up each morning to the amazing birdsong. What an alarm clock! I have never heard birds so pretty as the ones here. Snowflake the cat was a wonderful bonus to have on the property (she only stays on the front porch and never comes inside). The kitchen has everything you need to prepare meals at home, dishes, knives, pots, pans, cutlery. Catherine and her husband were wonderful hosts and such lovely, nice people. It's icing on the cake knowing that such a nice property is provided by such loving and caring people who really care about their guests' comfort. Even though they live onsite, in a neighboring house, I never felt a lack of privacy whatsoever. This place is ideal for privacy and "getting away from it all". I actually wish we could have spent more time just relaxing at the cottage, because it was so nice. But we kept very busy as Kauai beckons with beautiful beaches and hiking trails to explore. I highly recommend this cottage, and if i ever return to Kauai know that I will certainly be staying here again.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

As Good As It Gets

Guest: Robert A.
Date of Stay: 04/24/12 Review Submitted: 05/15/12

It simply doesn't get any better than Aloha Sunset Cottage: Total privacy and tranquility on seven acres of a gorgeous garden and majestic setting, the best North Shore location, and an absolutely charming, spotlessly-clean cottage with every single detail covered. The fully-equipped kitchen, spacious bedroom suite with great king-size bed and large bathroom, and exceptionally-tasteful furnishings make this accommodation truly extra special. There even is a choice of gear available for use at the many nearby magnificent beaches. This, our first stay at Sunset Cottage but only the most recent of many visits and stays in Kauai, definitely tops the list! Bruce, El Cerrito, California

Owner response:Aloha Bruce, The family so enjoyed your company and hope you will both return soon to our island paradise. Mahalo for the fabulous review. We await your return.................... Mahalo a nui loa, Catherine and Allan Rietow

Recommended for:

Perfect in every way

Guest: kark h. (Birmingham UK)
Date of Stay: 11/17/11 Review Submitted: 11/30/11

We stayed at Aloha Sunset cottage for nine nights. From the moment we arrived we felt at home. The owner Catherine greeted us on arrival and was very helpful and welcoming. The cottage was simpley perfect and the surrounding gardens idyllic. Sunset cottage was well equiped and the owners have thought of everything you could want on holiday including deck chairs for the beach, snorkels, boogie boards beach mats and towels to name but a few. We were very impressed with the attention to detail, It was spotlessly clean and we wanted for nothing. Our stay coincided with thanks giving celebrations. The owners Catherie and Alan invited us to thanks giving dinner with their friends and family. We had a fantastic night and were overwhelmed by their hospitality and generosity. We would have no hesitation in recommending this cottage. (Alan & Catherine if you read this, thanks again for making our holiday perfect)

Recommended for:

Perfect in every way

Guest: kark h. (Birmingham UK)
Date of Stay: 11/17/11 Review Submitted: 11/30/11

We stayed here for nine nights. From the moment we arrived we felt at home. The owner Catherine greeted us on arrival and was very helpful and welcoming. The cottage was simpley perfect and the surrounding gardens idyllic. Sunset cottage was well equiped and the owners have thought of everything you could want on holiday including deck chairs for the beach, snorkels, boogie boards beach mats and towels to name but a few. We were very impressed with the attention to detail, It was spotlessly clean and we wanted for nothing. Our stay coincided with thanks giving celebrations. The owners Catherie and Alan invited us to thanks giving dinner with their friends and family. We had a fantastic night and were overwhelmed by their hospitality and generosity. We would have no hesitation in recommending this cottage. (Alan & Catherine if you read this, thanks again for making our holiday perfect)

Recommended for:Age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Like having a home in Paradise

Guest: Robert R.
Date of Stay: 09/13/11 Review Submitted: 09/21/11

We found the cottage clean, on a gorgeous property with inspiring views of some of Kauai's mountains and within minutes of beaches, shops, stores, restaurants, etc. If you're looking for slick hotel-style accommodations and privacy isn't a priority, then this place isn't for you. The well-stocked cottage was truly our home away from home, with privacy and comfort. Catherine was so helpful and gracious answering questions about Kauai. We eagerly look forward to returning -- the sooner, the better.

Recommended for:Age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

A private paradise in Paradise

Guest: Robert R.
Date of Stay: 09/13/11 Review Submitted: 09/21/11

Catherine and Allen have created a paradise on Paradise. The Sunset Cottage provided us with authentic, un-corporatized home-style graciousness. It was truly a home away from home. The cottage is clean and well-maintained, and its north shore location is ideal. I am going to recommend this cottage to everyone I know who has an interest in going to Kauai. The visit to Kauai and the stay at the Sunset Cottage will supply us with precious memories and the dream to return soon.

Recommended for:Age 55+, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Perfect Place on Kauai

Guest: D. T. (Switzerland)
Date of Stay: 08/28/11 Review Submitted: 09/12/11

The Kauai Sunset House is a small, lovely furnished and conveniently equipped cottage, located at the center of a lush tropical garden, which makes it the prefect getaway for a romantic stay on the beautiful island of Kauai. We spent one week of our honeymoon in this lovely cottage where we were completely surrounded by the beauty of the island’s lush flora and fauna. This helped us to better understand why Kauai is called the ‘Garden Island’. The Sunset House is conveniently located close to the small town of Kilauea on the north shore of Kauai. Some of the nicest beaches of the island, many treasuries of Kauai’s almost untouched nature as well as a couple of picturesque towns are just a few minutes away from the cottage. Our hosts welcomed us very warmly and gave us numerous pieces of advice about the beautiful Garden Island. We daily enjoyed the fruits of the property’s garden as well as the always very friendly conversations with our hosts. We would like to thank them for sharing this wonderful place in the paradise of Kauai.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

The Real Kauai

Guest: Traveling Soulmates (Upstate New York State)
Date of Stay: 07/30/11 Review Submitted: 08/09/11

The real Kauai is not to be found at some over-priced and pretentious resort. My wife and I have traveled to Kauai numerous time. One needs to spend time with the locals if one wants to engage in intelligent conversation about the history and natural history of Kauai. Our hosts Catherine and Alan, as well as the other guests, were fun, open and interesting. Catherine and Alan were also exceptionally committed to service. Our cottage was immaculate and comfortable. Their advice about beaches and hikes informative. Morning coffee with the horses, flowers, fruit trees, trees and a book prior to a full day of snorkeling and hiking was wonderful and relaxing. We would stay their again without reservation.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Exceptional & Romantic Cottage

Guest: Melissa (Lake Tahoe, Ca)
Date of Stay: 05/11/11 Review Submitted: 05/24/11

The cottage has everything to offer & is the perfect size for 2 people! The extra's that come with the cottage (snorkel gear, beach chairs, boogie boards, fruit basket, etc.) make it all the more desireable. We will be back soon!!!!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Perfect place to stay

Guest: Dag&Carol (Bainbridge Island)
Date of Stay: 04/11/11 Review Submitted: 04/24/11

Thank you for such a wonderful little home to stay in during our vacation! The cottage is located in the perfect place on beautiful grounds, away from the hustle and bustle of towns...but close enough to access everything! Relaxing accommodations, and wonderful hosts made our visit to Kauai perfect! We had everything we needed, from beach towels and snorkeling gear, to a kitchen and fresh fruit off the trees on the property! We loved it!!!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Retreat in Paradise - Aloha Sunset Cottage

Guest: Jeanne & Don (Southern California)
Date of Stay: 10/20/10 Review Submitted: 10/27/10

After saying “I do’s” on the south shore of Kauai, my husband and I headed up the coast to Aloha Sunset Cottage and paradise is what we found. Carved out of the most peaceful 7 acres you can imagine, Catherine and Allan Rietow have thought of every little detail to make your stay comfortable. From the well-equipped kitchen to a fabulous assortment of guide books, snorkeling equipment, beach chairs and towels, we felt right at home. There is even a washer/dryer unit, which really comes in handy after hiking, snorkeling and ziplining. This charming cottage is beautifully appointed with furnishings and decorations that are reminiscent of “old” Hawaii. We really appreciated the old style pictures which provided a glimpse into the past. Plenty of windows and an open beam design create a light and airy feel, filling the rooms with tropical breezes. Our expectations for the accommodations were more than met. In fact, they were exceeded. Wandering through the lush grounds, you can’t help but feel a sense of tranquility. Fresh fruit and herbs abound and vibrant colors and scents grab you from every direction. Remember, this is a working farm. And what fun to find out that horses love avocados just as much as people. We got a kick out of feeding them every morning. And we also enjoyed the regular (outside only) visits from “Snowflake”, one of the resident cats. Catherine is a wealth of knowledge. Not only did she offer up some great recommendations for restaurants and activities, but her island stories were fascinating. She and Allan have such a gracious and easy way about them, that I feel I have found a friend for life. We can’t wait to go back! The north shore offers such breathtaking scenery that we are already planning our next trip to Aloha Sunset Cottage. Mahalo Cat and Allan!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Paradise Retreat - Aloha Sunset Cottage

Guest: Jeanne & Don (Southern California)
Date of Stay: 10/20/10 Review Submitted: 10/27/10

After saying “I do’s” on the south shore of Kauai, my husband and I headed up the coast to Aloha Sunset Cottage and paradise is what we found. Carved out of the most peaceful 7 acres you can imagine, Catherine and Allan Rietow have thought of every little detail to make your stay comfortable. From the well-equipped kitchen to a fabulous assortment of guide books, snorkeling equipment, beach chairs and towels, we felt right at home. There is even a washer/dryer unit, which really comes in handy after hiking, snorkeling and ziplining. This charming cottage is beautifully appointed with furnishings and decorations that are reminiscent of “old” Hawaii. We really appreciated the old style pictures which provided a glimpse into the past. Plenty of windows and an open beam design create a light and airy feel, filling the rooms with tropical breezes. All the rooms were spotless, yes, extremely clean. Our expectations for the accommodations were more than met. In fact, they were exceeded. Wandering through the lush grounds, you can’t help but feel a sense of tranquility. Fresh fruit and herbs abound and vibrant colors and scents grab you from every direction. Remember, this is a working farm. And what fun to find out that horses love avocados just as much as people. We got a kick out of feeding them every morning. And we also enjoyed the regular (outside only) visits from “Snowflake”, one of the resident cats. Catherine is a wealth of knowledge. Not only did she offer up some great recommendations for restaurants and activities, but her island stories were fascinating. She and Allan have such a gracious and easy way about them, that I feel I have found a friend for life. We can’t wait to go back! The north shore offers such breathtaking scenery that we are already planning our next trip to Aloha Sunset Cottage. Mahalo Catherine and Allan.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Kaua'i Paradise Found

Guest: Rose Anne (Little Rock, AR)
Date of Stay: 10/01/10 Review Submitted: 10/09/10

We stayed in the Aloha Sunset Cottage Oct 1 - 8, 2010 and have only the highest recommendations to give for this lovely property! The cottage was perfect - lovely, clean, well-equipped, comfortable and all the amenities you could ask for were provided (kitchen, washer/dryer, snorkeling equip, beach chairs, body boards, beach towels, fresh fruit grown on the property, high speed wireless internet...). The cottage is very private & comfortable. We enjoyed the quiet beautif of Kaua'i 'country life'. The host was very helpful and gracious. The north shore area is such a lovely part of the island - we wouldn't stay anywhere else. Close to lots of wonderful activities and not far from anything you want to do on the island overall. Perfect for a couple wanting to "get away" from the hustle & bustle and relax in a lovely tropical island paradise. We also really enjoyed getting to know some of the pets that also call this property home (they don't come inside the cottage but are available for 'love' if you're interested) - helped ease the ache of missing our own.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Ono!!

Guest: Sombraman (Albuquerque, NM)
Date of Stay: 05/24/10 Review Submitted: 06/05/10

My goodness! I spent 8 years on Oahu ('88 Univ. of Hawaii alum) and always wanted to visit Kauai. A friend from UH recommended VRBO and I found the Aloha Sunset Cottage. I contacted them through email and Catherine (owner) promptly responded and answered all my questions. 'Cat' and her husband, Allan, are the most gracious hosts and the 7 acre lot is to die for! The listing description is very accurate and the scenery is almost surreal. Nestled between the Moloa'a Forest Reserve and some of the best beaches on the North Shore, I would certainly recommend the cottage to anyone looking for a lovely, peaceful getaway on Kauai - perfect for couples and newlyweds.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

wonderful home-away-from-home

Guest: rc (San Francisco, CA)
Date of Stay: 05/11/10 Review Submitted: 07/13/10

After renting the Aloha Sunset Cottage for a glorious week in May (2010), my husband and I hope to always return to this spot on future trips to Kauai. It’s difficult to know what you’ll encounter in person from online material, and the Sunset Cottage exceeded all of our expectations. Our congenial exchanges with Catherine Rietow, one of the property owners, set the tone for a great stay. The location, on the North Shore, is a genius jumping off-point for exploring the island (not that any other part beats the North Shore!). Upon entering the cottage, we were greeted by a generous fruit/coffee/tea/chocolate welcome basket and a SPOTLESS interior. The place is just immaculately clean and inviting. The grounds are spectacular, replete with a lush, mountainous backdrop, fruit trees, an herb garden from which you’re welcome to snip samples, and horses and chickens (whose multi-colored eggs, delivered to us by the lovely caretakers one morning, made for several memorable breakfasts). One afternoon during our stay, we spent a couple of hours at the pool/beachside bar at the posh St. Regis resort in Princeville. Following cocktails (decent) and lunch (seriously mediocre), we wandered around the hotel a bit – and while the setting is undeniably gorgeous, we were so happy to head back to our secluded oasis on the Rietow property. Having a place all to ourselves, a true home-away-from-home (not just a room), was key for us – and money-saving to boot! From the washer/dryer and guidebooks, to snorkel equipment and beach towels, we were very pleased with the cottage’s amenities. The Rietows have done a fantastic job stocking the cottage with everything you need on vacation from both a practical and pleasurable standpoint. We love to cook, and the compact, well-equipped kitchen for preparing the catch of the day from the Kilauea Fish Market along with wonderful finds from the local farmers’ markets was another highlight for us. I can’t say enough good things about these accommodations, and we can’t wait to try out the Rietow rental on Molokai too one of these days.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

wonderful home-away-from-home

Guest: rc (San Francisco, CA)
Date of Stay: 05/11/10 Review Submitted: 07/13/10

After renting the Aloha Sunset Cottage for a glorious week in May (2010), my husband and I hope to always return to this spot on future trips to Kauai. It’s difficult to know what you’ll encounter in person from online material, and the Sunset Cottage exceeded all of our expectations. Our congenial exchanges with Catherine Rietow, one of the property owners, set the tone for a great stay. The location, on the North Shore, is a genius jumping off-point for exploring the island (not that any other part beats the North Shore!). Upon entering the cottage, we were greeted by a generous fruit/coffee/tea/chocolate welcome basket and a SPOTLESS interior. The place is just immaculately clean and inviting. The grounds are spectacular, replete with a lush, mountainous backdrop, fruit trees, an herb garden from which you’re welcome to snip samples, and horses and chickens (whose multi-colored eggs, delivered to us by the lovely caretakers one morning, made for several memorable breakfasts). One afternoon during our stay, we spent a couple of hours at the pool/beachside bar at the posh St. Regis resort in Princeville. Following cocktails (decent) and lunch (seriously mediocre), we wandered around the hotel a bit – and while the setting is undeniably gorgeous, we were so happy to head back to our secluded oasis on the Rietow property. Having a place all to ourselves, a true home-away-from-home (not just a room), was key for us – and money-saving to boot! From the washer/dryer and guidebooks, to snorkel equipment and beach towels, we were very pleased with the cottage’s amenities. The Rietows have done a fantastic job stocking the cottage with everything you need on vacation from both a practical and pleasurable standpoint. We love to cook, and the compact, well-equipped kitchen for preparing the catch of the day from the Kilauea Fish Market along with wonderful finds from the local farmers’ markets was another highlight for us. I can’t say enough good things about these accommodations, and we can’t wait to try out the Rietow rental on Molokai too one of these days.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.