Trever Figueroa, three years-old, and Maya Matthey, four years-old, looks over the Charity Trees on display at the Mauna Lani Resort. (Photos by Baron Sekiya/Hawaii247.com)

Michelle Taira Medeiros/Special to Hawaii247.com

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas
Every where you go.
{Even Mauna Kea’s topped with snow.}

Take a look at the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel.
It’s glistening once again,
with Christmas trees decorated from head to toe.

Three dozen Christmas trees, decorated by local nonprofit organizations, are on display for the 15th Annual Charity Trees event at Mauna Lani Bay Hotel.

Each tree shines with its own flavor, representing the spirit of the nonprofit’s mission. Many of the trees are adorned with decorations crafted by the people who benefit from the nonprofit – photos, phrases, and even moving objects tell the story. For example, one tree with “flavor” tells its story with packages of favorite local foods.

The Konawaena Elementary tree.

In addition to sharing their work and holiday spirit, the nonprofits are participating in a contest. Members of the public are encouraged to support their favorite tree by purchasing votes. Each vote is $1 and voting is unlimited. Voting ends 5 p.m. Dec. 23. The trees will be on display until Jan. 2.

The Kona Festival Chorale tree has little music books as decorations.

All monies collected will be distributed equally between the 36 participating organizations, with the exception of the first, second, and third place winners. The three organizations with the most votes will win cash prizes from the Mauna Lani Resort: $1,000 for 3rd place, $2,000 for 2nd place, and $3,000 for 1st place.

Participating organizations in this year’s contest are:

AdvoCats, Inc.
Aikido of Hilo
Big Island Retired Military Association
Community Enterprises
Friends of the Children’s Justice Center of West Hawaii
Friends of the Future/Earl’s Garage
Friends of the Library, Kona
Full Life
Habitat for Humanity West Hawaii, Inc.
Hale Hoola Hamakua Auxiliary
Hawaii Island Humane Society
Hawaii Montessori School at Kona
Hualalai Academy
Hui Pono Holoholona
Kai O Pua Canoe Club for “Friends of Bill Walton”
Kamuela Seniors Baseball Club
Kealakehe Intermediate School
Kipuupuu Baseball Club
Klein Chiropractic Center
Kohala Mission School
Kona Festivale Chorale
Konawaena Elementary School
Konawaena High School Cheerleaders
Legal Aid Society of Hawaii
Mental Health Hawaii
PATCH
Peoples Advocacy for Trails Hawaii
Punana Leo O Kona
Punana Leo O Waimea
Seagull School at Mauna Lani
The Rock ‘n Renew Foundation
University of the Nations Preschool, Inc.
VASH Hawaii Island
Waikoloa Lions Club
Waikoloa Village Outdoor Circle
Waimea Outdoor Circle
West Hawaii Dental Hygiene Association

More trees on display at the Mauna Lani Resort.

Visit the Mauna Lani and vote for your favorite tree with donations.

The Kona Festival Chorale tree.