I get a silly grin whenever the word 'hunky' pops up, because it opens a little toolkit of colorful synonyms. To me, 'hunky' usually means a pleasantly muscular, attractive person — think 'well-built', 'handsome', or 'strapping'. If you want nuance, 'strapping' and 'well-built' feel a bit old-school and wholesome; 'muscular', 'brawny', and 'burly' emphasize size and strength more than charm.
There are also slangier, punchier options: 'ripped', 'jacked', 'buff' and 'studly' all shout gym-hours and definition. For a playful, objectifying spin you hear 'beefcake' or 'hunk', which sound more tongue-in-cheek. If you want rugged attraction, 'rugged', 'chiseled' (or 'chiselled' in British usage), and 'handsome' work nicely. I usually steer away from words that feel demeaning; 'hunky' can be flattering, but context matters.
All in all, I reach for 'strapping' or 'handsome' in polite company, and 'ripped' or 'jacked' when I'm describing a character who’s clearly gym-focused — it’s fun to mix tones depending on whether I’m being cheeky or straightforward.