Hood release

First tell me why and where you obviously think the cable broke at. Did it break and was it at the lever in the car or somewhere along the way? This is a bear to work on. I would guess that taking off the plastic shroud under the front of the car will allow a possible access up along the radiator. If you can't reach the locking mech, you might be able to catch the hood release cable.

I doubt you'll have luck with pulling the headlight assembly unless you wish to take it out in pieces. It helps if you put the car up on ramps if you decide to go in for sneak attack on the latch assembly. Probably a good two person job.