The port hosted foreign traders from the Arab world, as well as later from European countries such as Portugal, England and the Netherlands.

In 1342, it was visited by the Moroccan traveller Ibn Battuta, where he spoke about their social, economic, religious, cultural, and administrative factors.

[5] In October 2013 the Karnataka government announced plans to develop a new port at Honnavar, to be funded by a public–private partnership (PPP) model.

[6] There are proposals for improvements to the Inland Water Transportation system between Honnavar and Gerusoppa along the Sharavati river coast.

[7] Also, the Office of Ferries Inspector (Mangalore Circle) that oversees Inland Water Transportation System of the entire coastal belt of Karnataka State is headquartered at Honnavar.