sorry for bringing this thread back up. I have been re-thinking this trip and since a visit to the volcano from HNL is not recommended as a day trip, I am considering to book a flight to the Big Island right away.
I was looking at different vacation packages on priceline and other sites and I found this deal:
Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel, 7 nights incl. flight from SFO for 2 @ $2465 all in.
Is this a good hotel (trip advisor thinks so, but I trust FT more

)? Does the price sound right for mid July? Assuming that one would rent a car for the 7 days on the island, would the volcano be a good day-trip to do? Anyone recommend another hotel? Please post suggestions! Thanks!