HONOLULU -- Christmas tree shoppers are scrambling to buy one of the traditional holiday symbols and an island rarity.

A vendor in Aiea started the day Saturday with just 44 trees left, and the trees were selling for extraordinary prices.

Slideshow: Shoppers Search For Trees

The supply of Christmas trees sent to Hawaii this year was smaller than last year, but demand was the same.

By Saturday, tree shoppers were getting desperate. Some settled for short trees with tall prices. Two-foot trees sold for $55. But Amy Tamaribuchi was excited and texted a friend about her Christmas tree find. She was unfazed by a 2-foot tree's price tag.

"This is really cute, but it is big enough for Christmas because we waited until the last minute. Every year, we wait last minute, and no, we pay for it, so I am really appreciative," Tamaribuchi said.

The miniature trees were flown in from Oregon on Friday.

A 2-foot tree comes with advantages, buyers said. It's easy to put up and take down and doesn't need many ornaments.

Lielani Nishimura went tree-hunting with her son Steven and her grandsons.

"Oh, we went early this morning looking around for the tree because it's tradition -- the scent of pine. We have to have the scent," Nishimura said.

Steven Nishimura said he waited until Saturday to shop, thinking there'd be plenty of trees.

"I didn't think it would be sold out this fast," he said with a laugh.

Later in the afternoon Saturday, 200 more trees from Oregon arrived. The lot included 4-foot trees for $80. Most buyers were not concerned about the price.

"For once a year, it is worth it. I have to pass the meaning of Christmas to my boys," Nishimura said.

Trees will be available at the lot behind Best Buy in Aiea until 8 a.m. Sunday until they are gone.