From cuddly snowmen and sparkling red-and-white candy canes to outrageous peacock feathers and furry woodland creatures, there’s something for every Christmas tree lover at the inaugural "Trees by the Sea," a benefit for the University of Hawaii Cancer Center. And that’s exactly how lead designer Ralph Malani wanted it.

"I’m trying to appeal to several different kinds of tastes, give them something they can’t do themselves because it’s so expensive," he said.

A virtual forest of lavishly decorated trees will be on display — and for sale — at the fundraiser Friday and Saturday, with some ornaments costing $12 to $15 apiece.

"It’s like I’m giving you a fantasy Christmas tree. … The trees are going to be very unique, very over-the-top, very different," he said.

Malani is used to styling hair and wardrobes. But when he was asked to be a part of the fundraising project, he jumped at the offer. And while he loves Christmas, that’s not the only reason he wanted to contribute.

Three years ago Malani’s partner battled cancer; he is now in remission.

"They didn’t give him much hope. But just the treatment that he got and the way that the staff was at the cancer center made me want to give back somehow," Malani said. "And when I was offered this opportunity, it was a no-brainer. I’ll do it."

Malani is particularly excited about his "Hawaiian Pueo" tree covered in bronze and copper ornaments, with a nest of long, thin beaded strands and a large owl figure on top. Another tree is adorned with pale pink cherry blossoms, yellow-orange lotus flowers and chartreuse birds. Glistening mirrorlike crystals, snow-covered branches and glittery white doves were used to adorn a third tree with a more wintery feel.

All the trees are artificial, so when carefully stored, they can be used for years to come.

About 15 large trees, including four 10-foot giants, will be sold at Friday night’s $250-per-person cocktail reception. Each is expected to fetch thousands of dollars for the cancer center, which opened its $104 million National Cancer Institute-designated research facility this year.

The large trees will remain on display during Saturday’s free Ohana Day. Several 2- to 4-foot trees have themes such as dragonflies, cherry blossoms and "under the sea." Those, too, will be up for sale Friday, with buyers able to take them home that night. Any of the remaining smaller trees will be displayed Saturday.

Special tabletop "Celebri-trees" will be auctioned off at the reception. Each one is decorated with autographed ornaments in a theme matching the celebrity. For example, there’s a baseball-themed tree for Shane Victorino of the Boston Red Sox. Other celebrities include Jackie Chan, the cast of "Hawaii Five-0" and surfer Bethany Hamilton.

Also being sold are beautiful sequined ornaments made by senior citizens of the Crafting for a Cause Club in Nuuanu. Prices vary. Succulent wreaths will be priced from $300 to $400; poinsettias, $20; and commemorative ornaments, $25.

Organizers hope to make "Trees by the Sea" an annual event.

To help next year, email info@treesbythesea.org.