Hawai'i residents and military folks can find a variety of discounts in traditionally touristy areas as merchants look to lure local customers and help offset declines from the slump in the state's No. 1 industry.

Increasingly, many Waikiki restaurants are offering discounts — usually 10 percent off — for meals at a range of restaurants, including many in the Royal Hawaiian Center. Other businesses have cut the price on activities, services and even parking.

The double-digit decline in tourism arrivals over the past year reflects the broader slowdown in the global economy. With many would-be vacationers deciding to stay close to home, an array of businesses are reaching out to residents as well as members of the military and their families.

The Waikiki shopping center is among those offering free parking — a four-hour deal that began in October and has just been extended through the end of June for diners at the center's eateries.

"This is the first time we have ever offered four free hours of parking and we feel the promotion has been very successful in generating resident business to the center, especially on weekends when families and friends can come to Waikiki and have fun together," said Marleen Akau, general manager of Royal Hawaiian Center.

Residents and military should ask about and be ready to show their ID. Part of that is retailers being sensitive to those who might not qualify for a discount.

"Since October, thousands of parking tickets have been validated with the four free hours validation," Akau said, declining to provide an exact figure. She said merchants say the free parking makes a difference "in these challenging economic times" when customers are selecting where they will shop and eat.

In the Pa'ina Food Court at Royal Hawaiian Center, folks who show a Hawai'i identification get 10 percent off at Ezogiku, Kenny's Hawaiian Barbeque, Maui Tacos, Monkey's, Paradise Café and Tacone Flavor Grill as well as nearby Wally Amos Chip and Cookie and Tropical Iceland.

James Han owns Monkey's, which offers an eclectic mix: acai bowl, hot dogs, curry bowls, custom salads and wraps. He posts a sign offering the discount.

"I grew up here all my life and I wanted to help the local community here," Han said. "I know eating in Waikiki is pretty expensive."

Han sees people coming to him for the discount. "Because the economy is bad right now, people are looking for deals and any way to save money," he said.

"They're happy, and I get a lot of repeat customers," he added.

Both Libbi Heap and Jaren DeYoung work at Jimmy Buffett's Restaurant & Bar at the Ohana Waikiki Beachcomber, which also offers a 10 percent discount to kama-'aina.

Both look to save money because they live in Waikiki and eat a lot of meals out. "I don't like to cook and I like to play tourist even though I live here," Heap said. "A little discount adds up over time."

Carol Graham and Diane Oda trekked across the Ala Wai from their homes in the McCully-Mo'ili'ili area to Waikiki to help find a special trip gift for a relative, then stayed to eat.

"We're playing tourist and we're just walking around," Graham said.

Oda said they were pleased and surprised to find the discount at Monkey's. "If they offer discounts, then you'll have more people, more local people coming here, and they'll be able to support the local merchants."

Hawai'i hotels have been offering deep discounts in nightly rates, meal credits, spa discounts and a variety of come-ons to visitors and residents.

"I haven't seen anything like these kinds of deals since after Sept. 11," said Murray Towill, president of the Hawai'i Hotel and Lodging Association.

He said the free meals, amenities and add-ons are helping visitor-oriented businesses through a tough time.

"I think that's the only thing that's keeping them afloat," Towill said. And the boost helps employers as "a real opportunity to keep local people working."

The sit-down center restaurants offering 10 percent off there include Beijing Chinese Seafood Restaurant, Paradiso Seafood & Grille, P.F. Chang's Waikiki, Restaurant Suntory and Senor Frog's Restaurant & Bar.

At Waikiki Beach Walk, other merchants are offering discounts. They include Cheeseburger Beachwalk 15 percent discount (does not include alcohol); 10 percent at Red Mango yogurt; 5 percent at Mondo Gelato; 15 percent discount on pens, journals and stationery at Bittner, The Pleasure of Writing.

One Love Barber and Salon, owned by Cheryl Prell and Jen Kahuanui at Imperial Hotel on Lewers Street recently opened for business with several kama'aina specials. They include: a $25 haircut for $10; a $65 manicure/pedicure combo for $50; and $20 facial waxing for $10.