We stayed there in 2002 just before it became a Marriott. Decent hotel, not as nice as the Ihilani we were in the first part of the trip. Good location with shopping center across the street. But everything is pricey! Good beach and pool.

We did the volcanoes thing. It's a couple of hours via northern route. We did that because it's an easier drive and we wanted to have breakfast in Waimea. We left early morning, got into park about lunchtime. Stayed after sunset to watch lava flows near ocean at night. Back to hotel around 1am. Try to maximize your time at the park as it is really something to see!