If you weren't hungry when you arrived at the third annual Waikiki by Moonlight party last night, you probably were a few minutes later.

Tantalizing aromas and throngs of hungry people filled Kalakaua Avenue, and everyone seemed like they were eating, or thinking about what to eat next.

"We just ate dinner half an hour ago, but when we walked down the street and saw the food we just had to get in line for something else," said Michelle Caltagirone, who along with her friend Tommy Brown, was waiting in a long line to snag a $12 plate of barbecued ribs, corn and rice from a stand operated by Pacific Beach Hotel chefs.

They weren't alone. Sponsors estimated that more than 15,000 people would take part in the opportunity to eat and listen to music on Kalakaua Avenue, where the normal line of cars was replaced by dining tables, restaurant booths and a stage filled with local musicians.

"It's got a little of everything — free music, cheap food and a great sunset," said Waikiki resident Chris Johnson, who came down to the beach to check the surf and ended up staying for dinner.

Janet Madulie, events coordinator for the Waikiki Improvement Association, which sponsored the third annual Waikiki by Moonlight party, said the idea was to bring a little romance back to the area.

"It's great to see visitors and local people celebrating Waikiki and bringing back that old-time feeling," Madulie said.

Brown, who was visiting from Huntington Beach, Calif., said he liked the idea and hoped there would be more events like it in the future.

"It's great for everyone, unless maybe you live here and are stuck in traffic," he said.

Norman Kawakami, an Easter Seals senior vice president, had an extra reason to enjoy the event.

Members of the popular Japanese band Tube, who were scheduled to make a brief appearance on stage, presented Easter Seals with a check for $7,000 to help its programs.