The innovative and odd-looking Segway personal transportation device has been making a reappearance in Waikiki with the opening of a new dealer in January.

Segway of Hawaii opened in the Tapa Tower of the Hilton Hawaiian Village. The company, which sells and rents the scooters, fills a void created when Segway Experience of Honolulu shut down about two years ago. The new company has the statewide franchise for the sales, service and rental of Segways.

Launched amid much fanfare in 2002, the $5,000 devices have yet to gain widespread public acceptance.

Hawai'i adopted a law in 2003 allowing the devices to be operated on sidewalks and bike paths at a speed not to exceed 8 miles per hour. Riders must be 16 or older, according to the law.

Alan Rice, owner of Segway of Hawaii, offers guided tours from Waikiki on the Segway for about $80 to $100. He said the devices make sense especially for visitors on a tight schedule.

"You can see a lot more in less time," he said. "And they're fun. You get hooked."