Crabbing in Kailua with a net or trap is typically done from a bridge near the mouth of the streams. The Kae'epulu Stream bridge is near the mouth of the stream that empies near the southern end of Kailua Bay, and the Kalaheo Bridge spans the Onewa Canal close to where it empties into the north end of Kailua Bay. It can also be done in shallow waters or from a boat.

A crab net looks like a large metal ring with a net stretched over it. A crab trap is a structure that is formed of netting and wire mesh. A line tied to net to lower it into the water, it may or may not be on a crab trap.

A crab net is lowered into the water and lies flat on the sandy floor with the bait in the center. When the ring is pulled up out of the water the crab is caught in the net. A crab trap has a gate for the crab to come in but is closed to the crab if it tries to come out.

Choice of bait varies from fish or shrimp to chicken. The types of crabs caught in waters in and around Kailua Bay are Blue Pinchers, Kuahonu, Seven Eleven, Samoan and the A'ama crab.

Regulation for Samoan crabs limit catches to only three per day and to put back any that are less than six inches. The kuahonu (white) crabs should measure more than four inches. Any crab with external eggs or with a missing or mutilated abdomen or tail should notbe taken.