The Moana has always been my favourite and preferred beachside hotel in Waikiki.
You sound like a hotel vege like me!
the Moana is perfect.
i stayed at both hotels again in july last year and find as always the Royals rooms are bigger but darker as they use a lot of dark wood.
I also dont like the way they fence off MOST of the beachside grounds for weddings on the weekends at BOTH hotels so you cant hotel vege if there is nowhere to vege!.
At the pool at the moana -although very small is at least beach side without a fence whereas you cannot really see the beach at the Royals pool.
If you are a romantic id go for the Moana and have breakfast at the Royal just near the sand.
They also have a lovely band and dancer at the mai tai bar everynight.
im getting pangs to go back!!