LIHU‘E — Kaua‘i is the perfect place for a “staycation,” said Kaua‘i Visitors Bureau Executive Director Sue Kanoho. For kama‘aina who cannot afford to travel off-island or out-of-state, activities abound right here at home.

“I would encourage people to get out and experience parts of the island one may not normally have exposure to,” Kanoho said.

Hawai‘i residents not only have the privilege of living on lush, tropical islands, but they also have the added benefit of enjoying activities for a discount or, for that matter, entirely free of charge.

For example, every first and third Saturday of the month, Hawai‘i Movie Tours presents tours of Coco Palms at no cost to full-time Kaua‘i residents.

“It’s been closed for so long and so many people have such great memories of the place and haven’t been able to see it,” said Hawai‘i Movie Tours co-owner Bob Jasper.

Since making the announcement in September, the “phones went nuts.” People are excited to see the property again — especially those who once worked there — and have had many different stories to tell, he said.

If one prefers to see more of what Mother Nature has to offer, then visiting the National Tropical Botanical Garden might be another option, Kanoho said.

Without having to shell out a single penny, residents can take pleasure in strolling through tropical fruit trees while listening to the trickling sound of miniature waterfalls. ‘Ohana Day occurs the third Saturday of every month, and what typically costs $45 is free for island dwellers.

Kama‘aina can take a self-guided stroll through McBryde or Limahuli Gardens any Saturday at no cost as well.

For a nominal fee of $5, people who enjoy the outdoors can also participate in a group hike with the Sierra Club.

“One of the best ways for people to explore and enjoy Kaua‘i is to come on a Sierra Club hike,” said Judy Dalton of the Sierra Club.

The hikes are led by experienced individuals who have had first aid training and are knowledgeable about plants and environmental activities on the island, she said.

“I have found that some people have not done some of the great experiences available on our island for many, many years,” Kanoho said.

For those who have a little extra money to splurge, discounts for activities from boat tours to massages and facials are also in abundance.

“It’s a nice way to give back to the community,” said Alexander Day Spa and Salon Spa Manager Les Jacinto.

His business is currently offering a 50 percent discount for kama‘aina on all spa treatments.

“Due to the slow period, we looked at many various ways to cut back on costs,” he said, citing the promotion as a way to “keep our employees working.” Not only has it helped encourage repeat customers to patronize the business, it also allows greater profitability during the off-season for visitor arrivals.

Princeville Ranch Adventures is also presenting local discounts of over half off for its zipline tours.

“It’s one of the only things you can do when it’s raining,” said Marketing Manager Corinne Travillion Friday morning after heavy rainfall battered the island.

The promotion not only encourages people to “go out and have some fun,” it also helps keep workers employed, she said.

Visitors from other islands also have the chance to enjoy local discounts, as a Kaua‘i Value Book — part of the Kaua‘i Visitors Bureau $1 million stimulus package — is given to guests upon check-in at various hotels across the island.

The $20,000 coupon book is aimed at helping promote visitor spending and assists local businesses during these challenging times, Kanoho said.

Enticing residents from all islands to “get out and do stuff” is something Kanoho advocates, and said, “If you’re going to spend some dollars, try to help the people out there” and support the local businesses.

For more information, visit www.kauaikamaaina.com.

• Coco Zickos, business and environmental writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 251) or czickos@kauaipubco.com.