The new UFC GYM Hilo plans to open in March.
The mixed martial arts organization said in a Monday statement the 20,000-square-foot gym will be the fifth UFC and BJ Penn-branded fitness facility in the state and the first outside Oahu.
“We’re thrilled to open our fifth premium fitness facility in the state of Hawaii alongside BJ Penn, whose dedication to serving his homeland has no bounds,” said Adam Sedlack, CEO of UFC GYM.
Penn — a world jiu-jitsu champion and mixed martial arts legend who won UFC titles in both the welterweight and lightweight classes, is a part-owner and face of the facility — which is in the 777 Kinoole Center, the former Hilo Lanes building.
Having grown up in the Wainaku neighborhood, Penn said he’s “proud to be part of the Hilo community” and is excited about opening the new gym.
“The sense of ohana here was a main reason why I wanted my kids to be brought up here,” said Penn, whose development deal also ties him in with the four Oahu UFC training facilities. “Bringing a top-caliber fitness and training experience to my home through UFC GYM fulfills one of my life goals.”
The 3.7 acre property was acquired in 2018 for about $2.7 million by M.S. Petroleum Corp., which is owned by Penn’s mother, Hilo businesswoman Lorraine Shin.
Shin, who’s looking at a soft-opening date of March 18, estimated that with renovations to the 38,000-foot former bowling alley, the family has “over $5 million in it, easy.”
“It cost $1.5 million just for the equipment,” Shin said. “We’ve all worked so hard on it — BJ, my son, J.D., their father,” she added, referring to the late Jaydee Penn Sr.
“People are going to be amazed when they walk in. As far as I’m concerned, it’s beautiful.”
The new facility will offer an octagon for combat sports training, bag room, group fitness studio, a weight room with free weights and Olympic lift platforms, cardio equipment, functional training area with indoor turf, and full-service locker rooms.
To further support a healthy lifestyle, the location will offer nutritional training and a recovery area, providing pre- and post-workout treatments.
Fitness classes will include high-intensity interval training, Zumba and MMA-inspired group fitness classes such as boxing and kickboxing conditioning. The facility also will have youth programming for ages 6 and older and child care service.
“We’re looking at the numbers, and we’re hoping that within two years, we’re going to have between 3,500 and 4,000 members,” Shin said.
After opening, UFC GYM will have business hours from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
For more information, visit ufcgym.com/locations/hilo or call (808) 961-6989.
Shin also has plans for additional businesses in 777 Kinoole Center.
“We’re negotiating with different companies about coming in on the retail side,” she said. “One of those is Lanikai Brewery from Oahu, another is Papa John’s pizza. We’re also negotiating with a spa.”
Shin said Employment Experts, one of her businesses, will relocate from its current Keawe Street location.
The new gym will replace the Penn Training and Fitness Center, which is nearby at 639 Kinoole St.
Shin has tentative plans for that building, as well.
“We’re talking about a play center, because we’ve got really nothing in town. We’re looking at putting in mini golf, maybe some trampolines, rock climbing — maybe even an escape room,” she said.
“Something for our youths, or even adults, to have some fun.”
Email John Burnett at jburnett@hawaiitribune-herald.com.
