Island Air celebrated its return to Hawaii island this morning following a 3-1/2-year absence with a festive celebration at Kona International Airport.

The state’s second-largest carrier, which had last flown to Kona in December 2012, marked the event with a Hawaiian blessing, hula dancing, and lei and bento boxes for the arriving passengers.

Hawaii island Mayor Billy Kenoi offered welcoming marks.

Island Air CEO David Uchiyama, who was permanently named to the position last month following the departure in April of Les Murashige, said the airline plans to bide its time with its expansion as it operates under the new ownership group led by Honolulu venture capitalist Jeff Au.