Waikiki by Moonlight aims to turn a section of Kalakaua Avenue into a sidewalk cafe for one night — June 1 — with a lineup of entertainment, crafts and food.

"It's different from a normal street festival," said Rick Egged, president of the Waikiki Improvement Association, which is producing the event for a second year after attracting about 9,000 people last year in the debut of the nostalgic event.

"We're creating a giant sidewalk cafe on the street with tables and chairs and tablecloths," he said, combining vintage flair with the fresh appeal of modern Island entertainers.

Egged's organization also sponsors the popular Spam Jam, which celebrates Hawai'i's favorite blue can of meat. But the organization started the Moonlight event last year. "We wanted to create a signature event for Waikiki, one that would highlight some of the best things about Waikiki," he said.

"It's usually a good mix of residents and visitors," he said.

This year, the event shows off some of the renovations in Waikiki with the help of presenting sponsor, the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center.

"As a key component in the Waikiki revitalization, we are pleased to support community events, such as Waikiki by Moonlight, that promotes our Hawaiian culture and local talent," said Susan Todani, director of special projects for Kamehameha Schools, owner of Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center.

Egged said this type of event responds to the common criticism "that there just isn't enough Hawai'i in Waikiki."

He said the event attracted a wide range of popular entertainers, combined with craft booths and food from restaurants that include Seafood Village, Hyatt Regency Waikiki Resort & Spa and MAC 24-7.

Egged said last year's event proved a great feast as well. "They put fantastic food out there at plate-lunch prices."

The lineup of performers includes something to make old-timers smile — the duo of Nina Kealiiwahamana and Mahi Beamer — and make younger folks swoon — 'ukulele master and international music star Jake Shimabukuro.

Other entertainers include Danny Couch, sharing some of his hits, including "These Islands"; Randy Lorenzo; singer-songwriter Justin Young; Ernie Cruz Jr., a blend of past classics with a modern, soulful interpretation; Kata Maduli and the Bridge Boys (including DJ Pratt and Gary Poliahu of Kalapana); Natural Vibrations; Pali and hula halau also will present music and dances of Waikiki's past and present.

Mayor Mufi Hannemann will appear with a musical tribute to the late Don Ho.

The event will close Kalakaua between Lewers Street and Seaside Avenue for the evening.

"We try to disrupt traffic as little as possible," Egged said.

Reach Robbie Dingeman at rdingeman@honoluluadvertiser.com.