Editor’s note: Those interviewed would not give their last names, even though they were not at all reticent with other identifying information.

“It’s the best night life I’ve seen in Hawai‘i this year,” said Star 101.9 DJ and HPU student Melisa. She was talking about the Valentine’s evening Exotica Erotica Ball produced by Mass Appeal Productions at Reign Nightclub off of Pi‘ikoi Avenue. The highly touted event drew about 800 people.

The theme of the ball was “anything fetish” in order to spice up Valentine’s Day. “All the single people came to get lucky, and all the couples came to get hot and steamy,” said Melisa. Clubgoers dressed in leather, boas, fish nets, chains, and spikes, and even their skivvies.

Malia, a UH graduate said she and her friends “were the best part of the night. We dressed up.” Rachel Blue, a certified nurses assistant, said she was disappointed because she thought everyone would dress for the occasion. Many of those in attendance simply came to see the show.

The club, which looked like the inside of a medieval castle, was decorated in red and white balloons, go-go dancers on platforms, and lots of black light. Nicole and Katie, juniors and fashion design majors at UH, said their favorite part of the night was the go-go dancers’ show. The performers sported white gloves and tails that glowed in the black light.

Clubgoers also got to play the foreplay dice on the dance floor. DJ Maleko from Star 101.9 hosted the game. “They asked me if I wanted to play dirty dice,” said Justin, an HPU junior majoring in international business. “I said, ‘of course.’”

The crowd danced to hip-hop, trance, and alternative tunes between the games and the show. There was, “a lot of great music,” said Justin. That would be thanks to DJs from Island Rhythm and Star who co-presented the night.