The 'gathering place of the island population' (in order to give the king feathers and other gifts) could be a way to help him in his important business of making sun reappear. At least it is clear that the dark time is about to vanish. Sun should begin to move again, and a canoe makes for quick and easy travel.

"... on the first day of the year the natives dress in navy uniforms and performs exercises which imitate the maneuvers of ships' crews ..." (Métraux)