To be honest there are many reasons why Hinata initially liked Naruto. It all started in a flashback from The Last: Naruto the Movie, where they first met on a snowy street, Hinata was being bullied by some boys for her “strange eyes” and Naruto, despite knowing nothing about her, protected her. Hinata was inspired by Naruto and always admired him for never giving up on his dreams no matter how tough the situation might get. She open supported Naruto even when nobody else did and Imitated his ninja way.