There is frequent ferry boat service from the mainland port of Lavrio. The trip takes 60-75 minutes, depending on weather conditions.

Persons that have been SCUBA diving in the last 24 hours run the risk of getting "The Bends" because of the decreased air pressure and the build up of nitrogen in their bodies. We do not take children under 13 years of age because they have a much higher incidence of high altitude problems. In addition persons whom are obese (Body mass index of 36 or over) BMI calculator should not make this trip.

Statistics show that Mauna Kea is clear enough for astronomy an average of 325 nights a year. This amounts to about 10% unfavorable weather. Most of the really nasty weather is quite predicable and in that situation we will cancel our tours as needed. The final determination for the weather is made 1:15 minutes prior to the Kailua pick-up. On average 1/15 of our trips is cancelled by weather.

No, normally not. At the time of day we visit the astronomers are quite busy and can't be interrupted. We do however see the observatories as they open their domes and swing into position. Some of the observatories are constructed so as to show a lot of the telescope from the exterior when the dome is open. We are available for custom charters, which could be a day trip. Normally we tour one or two of the observatories during the daytime.

No, modern telescopes are not equipped for visual (eye) observing . The scientist are making digital images that can be frequently found on the internet.

for wildlife, the list is quite long. We see the following feral animals (domestic animals gone wild) frequently: pigs, goats, sheep, donkey, mongoose, cat. We see the following native animals species less frequently: Hawaiian Owl (Pueo), Hoary bat, Nene (goose), Palila, Apapane, I'O(hawk), Wekiu, Golden Plover. We also see many native plants. Along our route we can see Koa, Mamane, Naio, Puakeawe and Ohia trees.

If you are in the USA please just call our toll free phone at 888-322-2366 a week or two in advance is sufficient. If you are overseas you can call our office at 01-808-322-2366 or submit an online reservation request at http://www.maunakea.com/reservations.htm

The kea is an extraordinary parrot that makes its home in snow-clad mountains - a parrot habitat that is unique. It has mostly olive-green feathers, with scarlet ones under its wings, and weighs about a kilogram. It has a big powerful beak, strong legs, powerful claws, and a loud piercing cry of 'keee-a!' It is a sound that carries a long distance in the mountains. These birds are found only in New Zealand. A kea is a smart bird.

Kea is a non-profit organisation that receives a mix of private and public funding. Revenues are generated through contract fees for particular projects, membership fees and sponsorship. Sources of funding include private donations from The Tindall Foundation ($210,000) and The Teece Family Foundation ($210,000), and Government grants from Industry New Zealand ($60,000 in 2002), the Ministry of Economic Development ($200,000 in 2004/05), and Technology NZ ($85,000 in 2005).

Kea is connected directly with a number of other islands: Kythnos, Syros, Paros, Tinos. It may be worth the 1 hour trip back to the port of Lavrio where you may have more frequent departures to other islands

Kea was launched in March 2002 as a direct result of the Knowledge Wave Conference, which was held in Auckland during August 2001. Its founding directors are Stephen Tindall, Professor David Teece, and Dr George Barker.

Kea encourages its members to share their knowledge and expertise with others in the network, but it's up to you how actively you participate.

Anyone can search the network using key words and/or sector or regions, but only approved Kea members can contact you. We direct their enquiry/response to you, but we never give out your contact details. See our privacy policy.

The easiest option is to pay by credit card when you register. Your application is processed within one New Zealand business day, giving you access to the network and other member benefits. You can choose 'invoice me', but your membership won't be processed until we receive payment.

Login on the website using your email address and password, go to opportunities and select the Post Opportunity button.

Use the Tell a Friend form which features on every page of the Kea website. It's quick to send a message to several friends at the same time.

Kea membership is open to anyone with an interest in New Zealand, regardless of their citizenship or residence. Non-New Zealanders interested in extending their networks and knowledge to New Zealand are especially welcome.

Kea offers four levels of membership - Individual Standard, Individual Premium, Corporate Standard and Corporate Premium. Find out more and select the option that's best for you. a Kea corporate member, your business can be profiled on the Kea website. You can also promote New Zealand-related opportunities to the network and have interested members respond directly to you. Members also hear about new opportunities through a weekly email update.

A licensed, registered business in Hawai'i, La'a Kea Tutoring Service is soley owned by Jimmy Castro with over 20 years of educating experience on O'ahu, Hawai'i. In response to a request by Hawai'i Family Court personnel, his tutoring service restarted in 1998 as LKTS. This unique service focuses on teaching approaches that meet the individual needs of those who may be gifted/talented, have learning deficits, or simply need temporary help to improve reading comprehension or math skills.

Kea provides access to a truly global network of people that share a common passion for New Zealand. You can use Kea to assist with initiatives, opportunities, and projects that are of interest to you and other members of the network. Sharing your knowledge, insights, and contacts with the network can also help to open doors for New Zealand. Kea is also a great way for overseas people to stay in touch with what's happening in New Zealand.

This benefit is only available to paid Kea members. You can choose this option when you upgrade to an individual premium or corporate membership.

We welcome the opportunity to consider information about events that may interest the Kea network. Email the details to us for consideration.

We welcome the opportunity to consider story ideas and new material that would interest the Kea network. Email your ideas to us.