My first trip to Hawaii, and with only 2 days in Oahu (staying at the Hyatt & W Hotels)-- One of the days, I thought I rent a car and drive around the island. Any thoughts on which direction (clockwise, counterclockwise),or how long it should take.
The other I'd spend on Wakiki, I'm not a big shopper, nor history/nature buff but just wanted to take in the sights. Any suggestions would be great!

I'd go counter clockwise around Oahu. That's what we've done before anyway.
You must see Diamond Head, and Pearl Harbor is really quite...how should I say...emotionally touching! So is Punchbowl Cemetary. I tear up just thinking about those places!..sorry...
The Sunset Beach luau (I think that was the name of it) was fun for an evening of eating and entertainment.

Expect to take all day if you plan to stop often or spend time on the beach. We like to go counter clockwise too. If you start your day early, you can hike up Diamond head before it gets hot and crowded. Then spend some time on one of the windward shore beaches. Stop at Giovanni's shrimp truck in Kahuku if you like garlic scampi. Spend the afternoon at one of the north shore beaches and walk thru the little town of Haleiwa. You'll hit some traffic coming back to Waikiki in the late afternoon but not too bad.

Patty, that sounds perfect, I know my time is very limited and thus wasn't planning to spend much time at a beach, but just get a 'sense' for the island.
(and yes, I'd love garlic shrimp!)... With minimum short stops, how long should it take to drive around Oahu??--full day, 5 or 6 hours???

Interesting.... I always like to go counterclockwise because the car is on the ocean side of the road.

mauld,
It's hard to say because I've never timed the drive, but I believe it would take 2-3 hours of driving to go around without stopping, so you should be able to do it in 5-6 hours with minimal stops and a break for lunch.

islandmom,
Hmmm... I never thought of it that way. But you're right, maybe that's partly why I like counter clockwise better too.